# Long-term function of vocal fold replacement in swine

> **NIH VA I01** · VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · 2023 · —

## 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 determines the long-
term safety and efficacy of a tissue-engineered Cell-based Outer Vocal cord
Replacement (COVR). Adult human multipotent cells isolated from adipose
tissue are cultured within fibrin hydrogel to produce a three-dimensional tissue
substitute. Upon implantation in rabbits, this construct healed well and produced
normal short-term vibration for voicing.
 A large animal model is needed before human translation. Previous work
has developed the implantation method in pigs. This proposed research will
assess the long-term safety of the tissue-engineered implant up to 1 year after
implant. Voice function will be studied to determine if the implant can restore
normal voice quality after vocal cord injury. Completion of the proposed research
will determine whether the COVR meets safety and efficacy requirements to
proceed with FDA application for a human trial.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10742917
- **Project number:** 5I01RX003649-02
- **Recipient organization:** VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer L Long
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-12-01 → 2026-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10742917

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10742917, Long-term function of vocal fold replacement in swine (5I01RX003649-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10742917. Licensed CC0.

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