Investigating a new tissue replacement for vocal fold restoration
Official title: Long-term function of vocal fold replacement in swine
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-10938039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating a new type of vocal cord using special cells from fat tissue to help veterans who have lost their voice due to injury or cancer, with the hope of restoring their ability to speak normally again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003649-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced loss of vocal fold function due to trauma or laryngeal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact vocal folds or those who do not have a history of vocal cord injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a tissue-engineered replacement for the vocal folds, specifically targeting veterans who have lost their vocal fold cover due to trauma or cancer. The approach involves using adult human cells from adipose tissue, which are cultured in a special hydrogel to create a three-dimensional vocal cord substitute. The study will assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of this replacement in a large animal model, with the goal of restoring normal voice function after vocal cord injury. If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for individuals suffering from severe voice difficulties.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a revolutionary treatment option for restoring voice function in patients with vocal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using tissue-engineered solutions for vocal fold restoration, but this specific approach is novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Jennifer L — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Long, Jennifer L
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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.