Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a very painful medical condition, affecting the small unmyelinated nerve cells embedded in the skin. Nicotinamide riboside is believed to be a potential treatment for patients with SFN. To study its effects on nerve degeneration and regeneration within a reasonable time, we need to conduct this research with healthy volunteers with normal small fiber nerve densities and the ability to regenerate small unmyelinated nerve fibers.
Study participants will be required to take the study drug (nicotinamide riboside or placebo) for three and a half months. After being on the study drug for about a week, a small patch of capsaicin cream is applied to the thigh, causing the small nerve fibers under the patch to degenerate. After two days, the patch is removed, and regeneration will begin. The nerve regeneration is expected to take place over the next three months. Small nerve fiber density in the skin is determined by skin biopsies at different times throughout the study. Skin biopsies are established medical procedures where a small piece of skin is removed and the wound is expected to fully heal.
There are no direct benefits to you as a study participant, but we want to compensate you for potential expenses. You will get paid $100 for each of the five study visits, plus an additional $100 upon study completion.
Volunteers who meet the following criteria are eligible to participate:
- Between the ages of 18 and 65
- No symptoms of peripheral nerve damage, such as persistent numbness, tingling or pain in feet or hands
- No diagnosis of kidney or liver problems, thyroid disease, or diabetes
- HIV negative, and no past chemotherapy treatments
- Body mass index (BMI) of below 32
If you are interested, contact Remi Ben-Davies at 410-955-7487 or rbendav1@jhmi.edu.
