Creating cartilage implants to help heal jaw joint damage

Tissue Engineering of Immuno-Universal Cartilage Implants for Temporomandibular Joint Disc Regeneration

['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-10694234

This study is exploring new cartilage implants for people with TMJ problems, like pain and joint issues, to see how well these implants made from donor cells work with your body's immune system, aiming to make them safer and more effective for healing.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10694234 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new cartilage implants for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to address issues like disc degeneration and perforation, which can cause significant pain and dysfunction. The approach involves using engineered cartilage made from donor cells, specifically looking at how the immune system reacts to these implants. By studying the compatibility of these cells with the patient's immune markers, the research aims to improve the success rates of these implants and enhance healing outcomes for patients suffering from TMJ disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders, particularly those with disc degeneration or perforation.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have TMJ disorders or those with other unrelated joint issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for TMJ disorders, reducing pain and improving jaw function for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using engineered cartilage is being explored in other areas, the specific focus on MHC class I compatibility in TMJ disc repair is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.