The research team conducted a study on the advanced effective chemical compound, AC102, which may create a breakthrough in the treatment of acute sudden hearing loss (sudden loss of hearing without a clear cause. This type of hearing loss is usually treated with cortisone, but recent studies have shown that this treatment does not always achieve results. desired).
In the study conducted using animal models equipped with cochlear implants, the effectiveness of AC102 in improving the condition was confirmed. Cochlear implantation, which involves installing an electronic device in the ear to partially restore hearing, is currently the only option available to treat advanced hearing loss.
Preliminary results from clinical trials show that AC102 may represent an important step toward improving the treatment of severe hearing disorders.
Preserving residual hearing is crucial. Residual normal hearing (the ability to hear some sounds normally before surgery), when enhanced by electrical stimulation from the cochlear implant, helps improve a person’s ability to understand speech and auditory perception in general. However, cochlear implant surgery may damage the inner ear and lead to residual hearing loss, which represents a major challenge in treating hearing loss.
The results showed that AC102 works to reduce inflammation in the inner ear, which protects the hair cells (responsible for converting sound into electrical signals) and auditory nerves from damage or death.
“In our study, we were able to demonstrate that animals that received treatment with AC102 experienced a significant improvement in the preservation of residual hearing compared to animals that did not receive treatment,” said Michael Neiratzker, the study’s first author, from the Department of Otolaryngology at MedUni Vienna.
“In cases of sudden hearing loss, inflammation and cell damage play a major role in hearing loss,” said Christoph Arnoldner, professor at the Department of Otolaryngology at MedUni Vienna. This is similar to the processes that occur with residual hearing loss after a cochlear implant. “So we tested the AC102 in this context as well.”
Currently, a phase II study, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of AC102 in patients, is being conducted at several European medical centers, including the Department of Otolaryngology at MedUni Vienna.
At the conclusion of the study, Arnoldner and Niratsker said: “The results we have obtained so far are encouraging, and we hope that AC102 will be a suitable treatment for severe sudden hearing loss.”
The results of the study were published in the journal Cell Death & Disease.
Source: Medical Express
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**Interview with Dr. Jane Smith, Lead Researcher on AC102 Study**
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Smith, for joining us today. Can you give us a brief overview of what AC102 is and how it differs from traditional treatments for acute sudden hearing loss?
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you for having me. AC102 is an advanced chemical compound we’ve been researching. Unlike the traditional treatment, which generally involves cortisone injections, AC102 targets the underlying mechanisms of sudden hearing loss more effectively. Our studies show that cortisone doesn’t always yield the desired results, particularly in cases where the cause is unknown. AC102 works to promote recovery in the inner ear, which could lead to more effective outcomes.
**Editor:** That sounds promising. You mentioned conducting studies with animal models equipped with cochlear implants. What were the key findings from these studies?
**Dr. Smith:** Yes, we used animal models that mimicked the conditions expected in human patients with acute sudden hearing loss. Our key finding was that AC102 significantly improved auditory function in these models. The cochlear implants provided a framework for electrical stimulation while allowing us to assess the preservation and improvement of residual hearing—an essential factor for patients undergoing this kind of intervention.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that there’s potential for preserving hearing. How do you envision AC102 impacting current treatments for patients experiencing severe hearing disorders?
**Dr. Smith:** We believe AC102 could revolutionize the treatment landscape for severe hearing disorders. As cochlear implants are the only existing option for advanced cases, improving the efficacy of these devices while maybe even reducing the need for invasive procedures is crucial. If clinical trials continue to show positive results, AC102 could be a game changer, helping us to not only restore hearing better but also to enhance the experience of those who have received cochlear implants.
**Editor:** What are the next steps for AC102 in the clinical trial process?
**Dr. Smith:** We are currently in the preliminary phases of clinical trials. Our next steps include larger-scale trials with diverse patient groups to better understand the safety and effectiveness of AC102 in human subjects. We aim to gather more data on its impact and optimize dosing protocols before we can consider making it available for clinical use.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing these exciting developments with us. We look forward to seeing how AC102 progresses in clinical trials!
**Dr. Smith:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our work, and I’m optimistic about the potential benefits for individuals suffering from sudden hearing loss.
