BLA / ENT-UK Joint Statement on Vocal Fold Medialisation Material Options in view of the temporary lack of Renu Voice

16 January 2026

Recently, there has been a national shortage of Renu Voice, one of the most commonly used materials for temporary vocal fold medialisation injections. After discussing the situation with the UK distributor, Soluvos Medical, it is apparent that this is a manufacturing issue rather than a distribution issue. Co-founder Rose Heinrichs says that Renu Voice will be back in hospitals soon, but that the latest ETA for Renu Voice is sometime in the spring. Once the syringes are available, there is then an 8-10 week lead in time before they arrive in the hospitals.

In the meantime, the BLA and ENT-UK suggest that you can use Radiesse as an alternative. This is currently marketed as an aesthetic filler but was previously CE marked for injection in the larynx as well. The manufacturer of Radiesse, Merz, dropped the CE mark for laryngeal injections, but the injection material and syringe remain in production and are identical.

Using Radiesse would officially be ‘off-licence’, but application for use through your local Trust system and a clear explanation should allow use of the product and reassure your patients.

The price for Radiesse (code 5033795) is £116 and with lidocaine (code 11218) is £119 exc. VAT. Radiesse can be purchased through Merz directly (customerservice@merz.com) or through local pharmacies that provide aesthetic fillers to clinics.

To stay up to date on the latest timeline for Renu Voice availability, please contact Rose Heinrichs at Soluvos Medical at rose@soluvos.com.

 

Nick Gibbins

President BLA 

 

Helen Cocks

President ENT-UK