Hearing loss related to aging is mostly predicted by the degree of loss of outer hair cells. Investigators from Acousia Therapeutics GmbH have tested the novel Kv7.4 channel activator ACOU-082 in mice.
Otosclerosis affects about 0.3% of population and it is among the most common cause of conductive hearing loss. Otosclerosis is highly familial, with positive family history reported in about 50% to 60% of cases. The disease is characterized by pathologic remodeling of the bone encasing the inner ear (otic capsule).
Decibel Therapeutics Inc. has received clearance of its clinical trial application (CTA) by the U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to initiate a phase I/II trial of gene therapy DB-OTO in pediatric patients with congenital hearing loss due to an otoferlin deficiency.
The FDA has awarded orphan drug designation to Sensorion SA's OTOF-GT, a dual vector AAV gene therapy, for the treatment of otoferlin gene-mediated hearing loss.
Acousia Therapeutics GmbH, and its partners at the Tübingen Hearing Research Center at University of Tübingen, have generated new preclinical data in support of hearing loss drug candidates ACOU-085 and ACOU-082.
Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA has announced the development of HY-083, a new proprietary intranasal formulation of a TRPV1 agonist to treat idiopathic rhinitis. Hyloris' treatment approach is to activate and depolarize TRPV1 receptors leading to restoration of a normal function of the nasal mucosa.
Decibel Therapeutics Inc. has received clearance from the FDA for its IND application to initiate a phase I/II trial of DB-OTO in pediatric patients, potentially in infants younger than 2 years of age.
Akouos Inc. has received IND clearance from the FDA to initiate a first-in-human phase I/II pediatric trial of AK-OTOF, a gene therapy intended for the treatment of patients with otoferlin gene (OTOF)-mediated hearing loss.
The EMA's Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) has adopted a positive opinion on Sensorion SA's application seeking orphan drug designation for OTOF-GT, a gene therapy intended for the treatment of otoferlin gene-mediated hearing loss.