Improving how medicines get through the vocal cord lining
Official title: Pharmacological Approaches for Transepithelial Delivery of Therapeutics to the Vocal Folds
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11309141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing methods to help medicines pass through the lining of the vocal cords so adults with voice problems can get treatments that work better and act faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $510,913 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC019566-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with chronic voice disorders or inflammatory vocal fold conditions who are seeking better topical treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
People under 21, those without vocal fold problems, or patients whose voice loss is caused by large structural lesions requiring surgery are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the thin lining of the vocal folds and how it controls whether medicines can reach deeper vocal fold tissues. Researchers are studying steroid hormones that may temporarily alter that barrier to allow topical drugs to penetrate more effectively. The project uses lab studies of cells and tissues and safety and drug-uptake testing that could lead to clinical testing in people. The aim is to make local treatments for chronic voice problems more effective while reducing the need for higher systemic doses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let topical treatments reach the vocal folds more reliably, improving voice outcomes while lowering systemic side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory studies from the team show steroids can affect vocal fold barrier properties, but using this effect to enhance drug delivery to the vocal folds is relatively new with limited clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rousseau, Bernard — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Rousseau, Bernard
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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.