Extended-Release Steroid Injection for Thumb Arthritis

About

Thumb (CMC joint) arthritis is often treated with braces, NSAIDs, or standard steroid injections, which give only short-term relief and can lead to surgery. We propose testing an extended-release triamcinolone injection (TA-ER), already FDA-approved for knee osteoarthritis, as a longer-lasting, non-surgical option for thumb arthritis. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we aim to show that TA-ER reduces pain and improves hand function, building on promising Phase 1 and 2 results.

Team

Dr. Marie Badalamente (PI)
Dr. Samantha Muhlrad (CO-PI)
Susan Greco, Clinical Studies Coordinator

Why It Matters

• 6–7% of adults over 50 have painful thumb arthritis
• By age 70: 1 in 4 men, 1 in 3 women affected
• Millions of patients need reliable, non-surgical pain relief

How Might We

How might we provide longer-lasting, non-surgical pain relief and improved function for patients with thumb arthritis?

Elevator Pitch

An extended-release steroid injection (TA-ER) offers 12 weeks of relief for thumb arthritis — a longer-lasting, non-surgical solution.

Stage: Catalyze/Scale

Preparing for Phase 3 / Expanded Clinical Trials

How B&B Can Help

Beyond funding, our biggest need:
● Additional clinical test sites to expand patient recruitment for upcoming trials