# TMJ Disc Regeneration

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $337,875

## Abstract

Patients opting for TMJ disc removal face issues due to the absence of FDA-approved
replacements, leading to bone-to-bone contact and subsequent joint problems. Autografts, like
dermis-fat grafts, typically resorb within a year. Our goal is a secure disc replacement
alternative. Previous studies demonstrated rapid transformation of an acellular ECM scaffold
into TMJ disc-like tissue in canine and porcine models. The canine model, chosen for its hinge-
socket preventing implant migration, lacks human-like motions, and pig models have access
issues. Introducing the goat model, with human-like access and motions, addresses these
limitations. Proposed research focuses on the 12-month clinical endpoint, investigating the
impact of a pathogenic TMJ environment on remodeling a porcine SIS scaffold into a neo-disc in
goats. We aim to determine the long-term (6, 9, 12 months) functional remodeling of SIS
scaffolds in the TMJ, hypothesizing higher tensile moduli than dermis-fat autografts, even in a
pathological environment. Addressing a critical gap in understanding outcomes beyond 6
months is crucial for clinical translation. This work aims to provide a groundbreaking, safe TMJ
disc treatment, preventing joint damage and revolutionizing surgical management for TMJ
patients, with the potential to significantly improve outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10993871
- **Project number:** 1R01DE034276-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Alejandro Jose Almarza
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $337,875
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-08 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10993871

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10993871, TMJ Disc Regeneration (1R01DE034276-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10993871. Licensed CC0.

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