Dr. Dustin Hardwick was awarded an ASTEEZA grant and received $115,444 in funding with contributions from Aldali Inc (industry sponsor), Florida High Tech Corridor Council matching grants research program, and USF Health SPTRS’s state-funded Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research. Drs. Mayer and Quillen are co-investigators on the grant.

The one year study will investigate the efficacy of an herbal-based topical ointment for pain relief using a delayed-onset muscle soreness protocol. The Asteeza product was developed by a local Tampa company (Aldali Inc) and was designed to reduce pain and inflammation without counter-irritants normally found in topical pain products.

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council Matching Grants Research Program goal is to foster applied research between Florida Corridor universities and high tech industry partners to support innovative local research.