Piplartine, also called piperlongumine, had protective effects against hearing loss induced by aminoglycoside antibiotics in zebrafish and mouse models of kanamycin-induced hair cell loss. Kanamycin is a member of the aminoglycosides, a group of antibiotics that have broad-spectrum activity against gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains.
A spontaneous homozygous deletion affecting the copy number of the cadherin 23 (Cdh23) gene in a line of laboratory mice gave rise to a new murine model with hereditary hearing loss and vestibular alterations.
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.
