# Translating a biostimulatory implant for the long-term treatment of glottic insufficiency

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2024 · $632,171

## Abstract

RFA-DC-22-001: Translating a biostimulatory implant for the long-term treatment of glottic
insufficiency
Abstract
Glottic insufficiency (GI) is a laryngeal disorder that can impair communication and swallowing
function due to vocal fold paralysis, presbylarynges, trauma, surgery, or radiation. The most common
treatment for GI is vocal fold augmentation with temporary nanoporous biomaterials that assist with
glottic closure. However, currently available materials poorly restore the biomechanical properties of
the native vocal fold and can be associated with dense histiocytic responses, while only lasting three
to eighteen months. In addition, vocal folds are a complex laminar tissue capable of producing voice
due to specific mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix and cellular components. However,
the structural, cellular, and intrinsic mechanical effects of vocal fold augmentation have not yet been
fully characterized, particularly after achieving homeostasis in situ. There is a need for a well
characterized and purposefully-designed injectable implant that can restore permanent laryngeal
function without producing inflammation or compromising vocal fold pliability. To address this need,
we developed a novel iteration of microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffold that is
biomechanically matched to the vocal fold, capable of promoting tissue integration, and providing
persistent tissue bulk. This proposal aims to (1) develop assays of MAP-associated de novo
tissue formation, (2) characterize the clinical feasibility of in vivo delivery, (3) determine the
toxicology profile and (4) initiate a first-in-human clinical trial of MAP hydrogel vocal fold
augmentation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10878958
- **Project number:** 5R01DC020998-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** James J. Daniero
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $632,171
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10878958

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10878958, Translating a biostimulatory implant for the long-term treatment of glottic insufficiency (5R01DC020998-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10878958. Licensed CC0.

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