Otonomy, Inc (NASDAQ: OTIC), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics for otology, announced multiple presentations related to the company’s programs in hearing loss and tinnitus at the upcoming Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting, to be held November 3-7, in San Diego. A presentation demonstrating the therapeutic potential of OTO-413, a sustained-exposure otic formulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), for the repair of cochlear synaptopathy in speech-in-noise hearing difficulties has been selected by SfN as a Neuroscience 2018 Hot Topic.

“At Otonomy, we have a singular focus on understanding the neuroscience of the ear and on delivering breakthrough treatments to the millions living with the often debilitating effects of conditions like tinnitus, Ménière’s disease, and hearing loss,” said David A. Weber, PhD, president and CEO of Otonomy. “Hearing loss, in particular, is an area of extreme unmet need that can lead to social isolation, lower quality of life, and higher rates of dementia and depression.

“Recent scientific advances have shown that the loss of synaptic connections between inner ear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons contributes to speech-in-noise hearing difficulties. We are thrilled that the Society for Neuroscience has chosen to highlight data demonstrating the ability of OTO-413 to potentially repair cochlear synaptopathy. We are also excited to advance OTO-413 into clinical trials next year for patients with speech-in-noise hearing difficulties, and expect that this will be the first such trial evaluating a potential treatment for cochlear synaptopathy.”

Otonomy’s presentations for the OTO-413 program are as follows:

  • Neuroscience 2018 Hot Topic: “Development of intratympanically administered neurotrophic factor BDNF for the treatment of speech-in-noise hearing difficulties (cochlear synaptopathy)” by Jacques et al, poster presentation on November 6 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm PST.
  • “Effect of Trk receptor monoclonal antibodies and recombinant neurotrophins on neuron survival, neurite morphology, and synaptogenesis in rat ex vivo models relevant to hearing loss” by Szobota et al, poster presentation on November 6 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm PST.

An additional presentation will be made related to Otonomy’s tinnitus program:

  • “Preclinical and clinical development of OTO-311, a sustained-exposure formulation of the NMDA receptor antagonist gacyclidine, for the treatment of tinnitus” by Piu et al, poster presentation on November 5 from 1-4 pm PST.

Source: Otonomy