Federal Grant Award Summary

Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODURF) received a $933,580 Project Grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121) for the period June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2028. The award funds research into an immunomodulatory approach to improve oral cavity wound healing, specifically targeting oronasal fistula (ONF) formation complications that occur in approximately 60% of cleft palate surgeries and following traumatic oral injury or dental procedures. The research will investigate FTY720, an active biolipid compound that targets the sphingosine pathway to preferentially attract pro-regenerative immune cells and reduce inflammatory responses during oral wound healing.

The funded research will deliver mechanistic insights into the immunoregenerative function of FTY720 during oral cavity wound healing and optimize its delivery as the first oral regenerative therapy. Key research objectives include determining the mechanisms by which FTY720 reduces inflammatory neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages through genetic, epigenetic, and sphingolipid pathways, and optimizing the chemical structure of FTY720 to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. The expected outcomes will address a significant clinical need by providing regenerative treatment options to reduce pain, improve surgical outcomes, and eliminate the need for multiple revision surgeries currently required for ONF complications.