A patch to treat narrowing of the airway in children
Official title: Nanofiber Patch with Gradient Presentation of Biomolecules for Treatment of Pediatric Tracheal Stenosis
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10989143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special patch that could help kids with tracheal stenosis, a condition where their airway gets too narrow, by making it easier for them to breathe and heal without needing complicated surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD115038-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who are diagnosed with tracheal stenosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tracheal stenosis who are not eligible for surgical intervention or those with other complicating medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a synthetic patch designed to treat pediatric tracheal stenosis, a serious condition where the airway narrows. The patch aims to mimic the natural healing environment and is engineered to be mechanically strong, suturable, resorbable, air-tight, and readily available. By using advanced biomaterials and a gradient presentation of biological factors, the goal is to maintain airway patency and promote healing without the need for complex surgical procedures. This innovative approach addresses a significant unmet need in pediatric otolaryngology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for children suffering from tracheal stenosis.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches in tissue engineering have been explored, this specific application of a synthetic patch for tracheal stenosis is novel and has not been tested in this manner before.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Townsend, Jakob — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Townsend, Jakob
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.