Dystonia Research Participation

  • See current clinical trials.

  • Help advance understanding and treatment of dystonia by participating in research studies.

Current Studies

  • A Phase 1 dose escalation study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of co-administration of two medications in healthy adult volunteers and adults with isolated dystonia.

  • Stride Dystonia is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of VIM0423 in individuals with isolated dystonia.

    The main objectives of this clinical trial are to determine the following: Does VIM0423 therapy improve dystonia symptoms compared to placebo? Is VIM0423 well tolerated in individuals with isolated dystonia? anf do the therapeutic effects of VIM0423 confer improvements on daily function and quality of life?

  • This non-interventional observational study is designed to assess motor symptoms and disease burden in individuals with isolated dystonia by characterizing and quantifying changes in clinical features over a period of up to four months. In addition, the study will enhance the understanding of clinical outcomes scale performance.

How to Enroll

If you’re interested in learning more about participating:

  1. Contact our team via email at contact@inwresearch.com or by phone at (509) 960-2818.

  2. A member of our team will answer your questions and explain the study in more detail.

  3. If appropriate, we can discuss next steps, including screening and eligibility requirements.

  4. You’ll receive a copy of the informed consent form and have time to review it and decide whether participation is right for you.

  5. If you choose to consent and are determined to be eligible, you may be invited to participate in the study.

Thank you for considering participation. Your involvement helps advance research and improve understanding of Dystonia disease.

Why Your Participation Counts

By taking part in a research study, you help scientists and physicians:

  • Learn more about how dystonia develops, progresses, and affects daily life.

  • Test new treatments or approaches to manage symptoms and improve function.

  • Improve quality of life for people living with dystonia today and in the future.

Participation may also provide access to specialized care, close monitoring, and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful research.

What Is Dystonia?

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting movements and abnormal postures. 

Key facts about dystonia:

  • It can be focal (affecting one area, e.g., neck, hand, or eyelids), segmental (affecting two or more adjacent areas), or generalized (affecting most of the body).

  • Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, and they often worsen with voluntary movement.

  • Dystonia can appear at any age and may be inherited or occur sporadically.

  • While not usually life‑threatening, dystonia can significantly affect daily activities, quality of life, and emotional well-being.

Symptoms of Dystonia

Motor symptoms:

  • Twisting, repetitive, or patterned movements

  • Sustained abnormal postures (e.g., neck tilting, hand cramping)

  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks (writing, typing, using utensils)

  • Tremor may co-occur in some cases

Non-motor symptoms:

  • Muscle pain or fatigue

  • Anxiety, depression, or social impact due to visible symptoms

  • Sleep disturbances or discomfort in daily activities

How Is Dystonia Treated Today?

While there is no cure for dystonia, treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve function:

  • Medications: Oral medications (e.g., anticholinergics, muscle relaxants) can reduce involuntary muscle activity.

  • Botulinum toxin injections: Targeted injections relax affected muscles and can be highly effective, especially for focal dystonias.

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Surgical option for severe or generalized dystonia unresponsive to other therapies.

  • Physical and occupational therapy: Helps maintain mobility, improve posture, and manage daily tasks.

  • Supportive care: Stress management, adaptive devices, and patient education.

Who Can Join the Study?

Eligibility depends on the specific study, but generally includes:

  • Adults diagnosed with dystonia

  • Ability to attend study visits and complete assessments

  • Participants without certain exclusion criteria

Our study team provides complete eligibility criteria at screening. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please contact our team.

What Does Participation Involve?

Participation in a dystonia research study may include:

  1. Screening Visit: Review of health history, dystonia diagnosis, medications, and baseline assessments.

  2. Baseline Visit: Detailed evaluations including motor and functional assessments, possible imaging, and questionnaires.

  3. Follow-Up Visits: Monitor symptoms, treatment effects, and quality of life. Some visits may be virtual or at home.

  4. Optional Procedures: Some studies may include additional tests or treatments.

Withdrawal: You may leave the study at any time without affecting your regular care.

Benefits & Risks

Potential benefits:

  • Close monitoring by dystonia specialists

  • Access to experimental treatments in some studies

  • Contributing to knowledge that may benefit you and others with dystonia

Potential risks:

  • Possible discomfort or side effects from study procedures or treatments

All procedures, risks, and benefits will be explained clearly in the informed consent documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Study-related procedures and treatments are provided at no cost. Always ask about possible reimbursement for study-related costs.

  • It depends on the study design. The informed consent form will explain how participants are assigned.

  • Yes. You can withdraw at any time without affecting your standard care.

  • Yes. Your regular physician or specialist continues your care; the study works alongside your usual treatment.

  • All data is handled securely and de-identified when possible. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, but strong safeguards are in place.