INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA — MED-EL has acquired two gene therapy programs from Rescue Hearing Inc. targeting genetic causes of hearing and balance disorders.
The programs address genetic disorders associated with mutations in the MYO7A and STRC genes. The MYO7A program is being developed to address a genetic cause of balance disorders, while the STRC program targets a genetic cause of hearing disorders, particularly among patients currently managed primarily with hearing aids.
Both programs focus on underlying biological mechanisms contributing to vestibular and auditory dysfunction.
Expanding MED-EL’s Inner Ear Pipeline
With the acquisition, MED-EL expands its research and development activities into gene-based therapeutic approaches that complement its established portfolio of implantable and non-implantable hearing solutions. The company said the programs are intended to augment, not replace, its core technologies.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step in MED-EL’s mission to provide comprehensive hearing and balance solutions across the full continuum of care. By adding these gene therapy programs to our pipeline, we are exploring innovative approaches that may address the underlying genetic causes of certain disorders, while continuing to advance and invest in our proven hearing implant technologies.”
–Dr. Ingeborg Hochmair, CEO of MED-EL
Dr. Hinrich Staecker, an early translational pioneer in gene therapy in the inner ear, will serve as Chief Scientist for advancing development of the two programs.
“Targeting the genetic basis of inner ear disorders offers the potential to address disease mechanisms at their source. The MYO7A and STRC programs represent important steps in translating scientific insights into potential therapeutic approaches, complementing existing clinical solutions.”
Rescue Hearing Programs Move to MED-EL
Rescue Hearing developed the MYO7A and STRC programs as part of its work in genetic interventions for inner ear disorders. Under the agreement, MED-EL has acquired full rights to further develop, advance, and potentially commercialize the two programs.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“MED-EL’s established expertise in hearing science and clinical application makes the company a strong steward for these programs. We are pleased to see them become part of a broader portfolio aimed at improving outcomes for people with hearing and balance disorders.”
–Jim Ayala, CEO of Rescue Hearing Inc.
MED-EL and Rescue Hearing Inc. have indicated that they will continue their cooperation.
About MED-EL
MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life.
The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and became the basis for the modern cochlear implant today.
This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 3,100 employees from around 90 nations and 30 locations worldwide.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 140 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non- surgical bone conduction devices.
Learn more at www.medel.com.
About Rescue Hearing Inc.
Rescue Hearing Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of genetic therapies for hearing and balance disorders, with research aimed at addressing underlying biological and genetic mechanisms.
Source: Rescue Hearing Inc
