Better-TMD: Making Temromandibular Disorder Research Work for Patients
Official title: Broader Evaluation of TMD Treatment Efficacy and Response (BETTER TMD)
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11585295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-site study partners with patients and caregivers to improve how we diagnose, characterize, and treat TMD in real life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 3, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $116,200 |
| NIH project number | 3U01DE036113-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11585295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders who can participate in long-term, multi-site study activities and engage with patient advisory processes.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not experiencing TMD or unable to participate in longitudinal, advisory-board activities may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project works with people who have TMD to shape how research is done, so studies fit real-life needs and reduce burden on participants. It will build a formal Patient & Community Advisory Board with the TMJ Association to guide study design, interpretation, and dissemination. The research aims to improve diagnosis, phenotyping, and treatment of TMD by integrating patient perspectives throughout implementation and analysis. By embedding patient voices, the project seeks to make findings more relevant and usable for patients and clinicians alike.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TMD could see faster, more patient-friendly research that translates into better diagnosis and treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Engaging patients in research design has shown improvements in feasibility, recruitment, and relevance in other pain and chronic disease studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jianfu — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jianfu
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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.