An Adeno-associated Virus Based Gene Therapy to Prevent and Reduce Oxidative Damage Induced Hearing Loss

Inventor(s): Todd Mowery, P. Ashley Wackym

Awarded: June 2025

Summary:

The technology is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy that delivers the transgene for superoxide dismutase to the inner and outer hair cells of the cochlea.  These cells are very sensitive to super oxide free radical damage associated with brief noise exposure at high intensities or long duration noise exposure at medium intensities.  Superoxide dismutase is a natural antioxidative enzyme that converts super oxides into H202 that are then converted into oxygen and water for use by the cell.  By increasing the bioavailability of this family of enzymes through virally mediated synthesis, the cells are protected from high levels of superoxide reactive oxygen species (ROS).  Currently, there are no FDA approved treatments to prevent or decrease noise induced hearing loss, thus we hope to bring the first gene therapy of its kind to the market.  Early adopters of this technology will be individuals whose occupations expose them to moderate to very high levels of noise (industry/construction/aviation/military) and those at risk for age related hearing loss (65+).

Market Applications:

• Prophylactic use to prevent progressive or acute recreational and occupational noise induced hearing loss or age related hearing loss.

• Prophylactic use to prevent hearing loss from ototoxic exposures (chemotherapy/antibiotics).  

• Treatment use to prevent further hearing loss when initially present or after traumatic noise exposures.