Scientists from the German research and medical organization AudioCure Pharma have created a new drug, AC102, that almost completely restores hearing lost due to exposure to loud noise. Research results published In the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Noise-induced hearing loss may occur suddenly (for example, as a result of sudden exposure to a strong sound wave) or may develop gradually and irreversibly. Scientists noted that sudden hearing loss is often treated with anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drugs, the therapeutic effect of which has not been proven. To fill this knowledge gap, scientists created and tested a new drug, AC102.
AC102 is a single dose injectable formulation. Its effectiveness was confirmed by scientists in a study on guinea pigs. AC102 therapy contributed to the almost complete restoration of hearing (lost due to exposure to strong noise) in experimental animals.
Scientists explained that AC102 targets two main causes of sudden hearing loss: preventing dysfunction of external sensory cells (auditory system receptors) and protecting connections between neurons and the auditory nerve. According to researchers, the drug has significant therapeutic potential. Its effectiveness is currently being evaluated on volunteers.
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