Developing a new treatment for TMJ disc replacement
Official title: TMJ Disc Regeneration
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10993871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with jaw joint problems by testing a special material that could replace the disc in the jaw, using goats to see how well it works over a year, with hopes of finding a better and longer-lasting option for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $337,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE034276-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals facing TMJ disc removal or those with TMJ disorders who have not found relief from existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already undergone TMJ disc replacement with FDA-approved devices or those with non-surgical TMJ issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to replace the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc, which is often removed in patients due to the lack of FDA-approved alternatives. The study will utilize a goat model to explore how an acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold can transform into TMJ disc-like tissue over a 12-month period. By examining the remodeling process in a realistic anatomical setting, the research aims to understand how this new treatment can function in a pathological environment, potentially offering a safer and more effective solution for patients. The goal is to provide a long-lasting alternative to current autografts that typically resorb within a year.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking and durable treatment option for patients suffering from TMJ disorders, significantly improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar approaches in animal models have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Almarza, Alejandro Jose — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Almarza, Alejandro Jose
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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.