Muscle stem cells to repair paralyzed vocal cords
Treatment of Vocal Fold Paralysis with Muscle Progenitor Cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11292852
This project uses muscle-derived stem cells to rebuild and strengthen paralyzed vocal cords in adults with vocal fold paralysis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11292852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow muscle progenitor (stem) cells from healthy skeletal muscle, then implant those cells into paralyzed vocal fold muscles in a well-established dog model to see if the cells become part of the muscle and improve strength and nerve recovery. They will repeat promising experiments and modify implantation conditions to better match how paralysis occurs in people. Outcomes will include measures of laryngeal muscle strength, nerve regrowth, breathing and swallowing function related to voice and airway. Success in the canine model would support moving this approach toward future human clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People whose voice symptoms are caused by structural laryngeal lesions, non-neurological conditions, or who are children may not benefit from this treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could restore vocal fold movement and strength, improving voice, swallowing, and breathing and reducing the need for implants or tracheotomy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and laboratory studies have shown that muscle progenitor cells can engraft and improve laryngeal muscle strength and nerve recovery, but human testing remains limited.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PANIELLO, RANDAL C — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PANIELLO, RANDAL C
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.