A new therapy to restore voice in patients with vocal fold paralysis
Cellular Reinnervation Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis
This study is testing a new treatment for vocal fold paralysis, which can cause voice loss, by using special cells from your own body to help improve muscle function in your vocal cords, and right now, they are trying it out in large animals to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097326 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapy to treat vocal fold paralysis (VFP), a condition that can lead to voice loss and communication difficulties. The approach involves using modified adult stem cells derived from the patient to restore muscle function in the vocal folds. By injecting these cells into the affected area, the therapy aims to enhance muscle volume and improve vocal fold mobility. Currently, preclinical testing is being conducted in large animal models to assess the effectiveness of this treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with vocal fold paralysis, particularly those who have not responded well to existing voice restoration treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with vocal fold paralysis due to irreversible damage or those with other underlying conditions affecting voice production may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a minimally invasive and permanent solution for restoring voice in patients suffering from vocal fold paralysis.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using stem cells for vocal fold restoration is innovative, similar techniques in other areas of regenerative medicine have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halum, Stacey L. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Halum, Stacey L.
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.