Farach-Carson Lab

Research focus

NIH R01 · 2024

Functional Biointegration of Bioengineered Salivary Tissues in Irradiated Animal Models

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a fully functional, implantable human salivary gland for patients suffering from xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth, subsequent to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Our team recently developed an immunosuppressed, irradiated human-in-miniswine animal model for preclinical translation of a patented tissue engineered salivary tissue replacement we call the 3D-ST. This large animal model is suitable for testing cell-based projects designed to restore salivary function that includes both water secretion and protein/enzyme production needed to initiate digestion and maintain health of the oral cavity. Complementing this, a radiated nude rat…

From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.