Non‑invasive vocal fold repair using lamina propria extract
Non-invasive Therapy using Lamina Propria Extract for Vocal Fold Healing
This project tests a non-invasive extract from vocal fold tissue, given as a spray or injection, to help people with scarred or injured vocal cords heal and improve their voice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248025 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are developing a specially derived Vocal Fold Lamina Propria extract (VFLPx) intended to reduce scarring and support tissue repair. They are identifying the key proteins and molecules in the extract using advanced proteomics and lab assays. The team will test how well VFLPx helps vocal fold wounds heal in rabbit injury models and compare direct injection versus aerosolized delivery. Safety testing of nebulized VFLPx will be done in rats to check for lung or respiratory side effects before any human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with vocal fold scarring or injuries causing persistent voice problems would be the likely candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Patients whose voice problems are primarily from neurological causes, active cancer, or unrelated airway disease may not benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a less invasive treatment that reduces vocal fold scarring and improves voice function without surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Related anti-fibrotic and biologic approaches have shown promise in preclinical work but this particular lamina propria extract approach is novel and largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freytes, Donald O — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Freytes, Donald O
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.