It is known that CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) expressed on macrophages plays a crucial role in inner hair cell ribbon synaptic repair and spiral ganglion neuron survival after synaptopathic noise-induced trauma.
A phase IIb clinical study has Frequency Therapeutics Inc. reeling and making big changes, including layoffs. The placebo-controlled phase IIb study of FX-322 in treating acquired sensorineural hearing loss by regenerating hair cells in the cochlea missed its primary efficacy endpoint, so the company is discontinuing the program. It’s also shutting down a phase Ib study of FX-345, a program for treating the same indication.
A phase IIa study of Frequency Therapeutics Inc.’s lead candidate in treating hearing loss showed it fared no better than placebo, but the company said its faith in the candidate is bolstered by the belief the study was hampered by trial design issues and by data from another study.