Closed-Loop Stimulation to Restore Voice and Swallowing by Reanimating Paralyzed Vocal Folds
Funded at Micro-Leads, INC. · NIH-11409928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing program aimed at developing a closed-loop electrical therapy to help people with unilateral vocal fold paralysis regain natural voice and safer swallowing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Micro-Leads, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Somerville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,486,972 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DC023860-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with unilateral vocal fold paralysis seeking improved voice and airway function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without UVFP or those with complete nerve denervation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program focuses on creating a responsive laryngeal stimulation device that senses neural or physiological signals and delivers tailored stimulation to reanimate paralyzed vocal folds. Researchers will test and refine a closed-loop system in the lab and early clinical settings to improve voice quality and airway protection for UVFP patients. The work builds on data showing many UVFP patients still have usable nerve signals and muscles that can be reactivated with pacing. If successful, this approach could reduce the need for invasive surgeries and enhance communication and quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with UVFP could regain more natural voice and safer swallowing, improving daily communication and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show promise for laryngeal pacing and closed-loop concepts, but widespread clinical adoption remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Micro-Leads, INC.
Somerville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mclaughlin, Bryan L — Micro-Leads, INC.
- Study coordinator: Mclaughlin, Bryan 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.