Improving recovery from nerve injury in the throat using melatonin
Prolonged Local Melatonin Delivery for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Neuropraxia
This study is looking at a new way to help people recover from nerve damage in their throat after neck surgery by using a special skin treatment with melatonin that releases slowly over time, aiming to make it easier for them to speak, swallow, and breathe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10984480 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a method to deliver melatonin topically to help patients recover from recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, a condition that can occur after neck surgery. The project aims to enhance the healing process by using sustained-release therapeutics, which means the medication is delivered over an extended period. The research involves both animal models and data analysis to understand how well this treatment works. The goal is to improve patient outcomes related to speech, swallowing, and breathing after nerve injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have experienced recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia, particularly following surgical procedures in the neck.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone neck surgery or do not have recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery times and quality of life for patients suffering from nerve injuries in the throat.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of prolonged local melatonin delivery is novel, similar therapeutic strategies have shown promise in other areas of nerve recovery.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kita, Ashley — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kita, Ashley
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 below.