Pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene are the most common genetic cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss and are mostly associated with an autosomal recessive non-syndromic deafness 1A (DFNB1A).
The primary-endpoint win by Sensorion SA in a phase II proof-of-concept study with SENS-401 (arazasetron) in hearing loss made public March 11 brought renewed interest in the space, where a number of players are advancing gene therapies. The story marches on, with Montpellier, France-based Sensorion due to discuss the product July 13 at the International Conference on Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Technologies in Vancouver, British Columbia.
After a disappointment with the same product in another indication about two years ago, Sensorion SA met the primary endpoint in its proof-of-concept phase IIa trial with SENS-401 for residual hearing preservation after cochlear implant.
Cochlear Ltd. and Sensorion SA have published encouraging results on the combination of a molecule with a cochlear implant. Their proof-of-concept phase 2a study involved the combination of an orphan drug recognized in both Europe and the U.S. with cutting edge hearing aid implants to enhance the auditory capabilities of hearing aid users.
Cochlear Ltd. and Sensorion SA have published encouraging results on the combination of a molecule with a cochlear implant. Their proof-of-concept phase 2a study involved the combination of an orphan drug recognized in both Europe and the U.S. with cutting edge hearing aid implants to enhance the auditory capabilities of hearing aid users.
Sensorion SA has submitted a clinical trial application (CTA) for OTOF-GT to the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Sensorion plans to submit the CTA in Europe in the coming weeks.
Otoferlin is a calcium sensor protein critical for the transmission of the signal from inner hair cells (IHCs) to the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), and it is encoded by the OTOF gene. Pathogenic biallelic loss of function variations in OTOF result in failure of synaptic transmission, causing autosomal recessive deafness 9 (DFNB9), which is a congenital severe-to-profound auditory neuropathy.
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.