# Vocal cord tissue engineering: Pre-clinical scale-up

> **NIH VA I21** · VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Veterans suffering loss of the larynx's vocal fold cover due to trauma or
laryngeal cancer can suffer disabling voice difficulties, and treatment options are
limited. A vibrating replacement tissue would revolutionize the treatment of
laryngeal disorders. The work described in this proposal characterizes and
optimizes a tissue-engineered Cell-based Outer Vocal cord Replacement (COVR).
Adult human multipotent cells isolated from adipose tissue are cultured within
fibrin hydrogel derived from the blood product cryoprecipitate. The result is a
completely autologous three-dimensional tissue substitute. Upon implantation in
rabbits, this construct healed well and produced normal short-term vibration for
voicing.
 The COVR construct will now be introduced in a large animal model in
preparation for human translation. This proposed research will assess the
feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the tissue-engineered implant. Mechanisms of
action will also be assessed by determining the fate of the implanted cells, and the
effect on extracellular matrix and inflammation. Human cells will be implanted
with immunosuppression. A canine model is planned because extensive prior
laryngeal work has been performed in canines, providing ample data on normal
phonation. If canines are impossible, a porcine model would also allow scale-up
to large mammals and detailed study of the wound healing.
 Completion of the proposed research will determine whether the COVR
meets safety and efficacy requirements to proceed with a larger trial. The goal is
to restore normal voicing without adverse events. If successful outcomes occur in
this pilot study, a larger trial will be performed with the intention of generating
pre-clinical data for FDA application.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10174851
- **Project number:** 5I21RX002867-03
- **Recipient organization:** VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer L Long
- **Activity code:** I21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10174851

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10174851, Vocal cord tissue engineering: Pre-clinical scale-up (5I21RX002867-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10174851. Licensed CC0.

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