A gel patch for repairing eardrum perforations without surgery
Clinical study to enable commercialization of nonsurgical gel patch for eardrum repair
This study is testing a new gel patch called Perf-Fix that can help heal holes in the eardrum without surgery, making it easier and safer for both kids and adults to get treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tympanogen, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10603100 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a nonsurgical gel patch called Perf-Fix for repairing chronic perforations of the tympanic membrane (TM), which affects many patients annually. The gel patch can be applied through the ear canal without the need for invasive surgery, significantly reducing procedure time and associated risks. The patch is designed to be cured with blue light, allowing cells to migrate and regenerate the TM tissue naturally. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative approach in both adult and pediatric patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic TM perforations, both adults and children, who are seeking alternatives to surgical repair.
Not a fit: Patients with intact tympanic membranes or those who do not have chronic perforations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer, less invasive option for patients needing eardrum repair, reducing recovery time and healthcare costs.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using a gel patch for TM repair is innovative, similar nonsurgical methods have shown promise in other areas of tissue regeneration.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, UNITED STATES
- Tympanogen, LLC — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horn-Ranney, Elaine Larkie — Tympanogen, LLC
- Study coordinator: Horn-Ranney, Elaine Larkie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.