Groundbreaking Gene Therapy Trial Commences to Cure Deafness
The first-ever gene therapy trial to cure a form of deafness has begun, offering hope for a revolution in the treatment of hearing loss. The trial aims to transform the treatment of auditory neuropathy, a condition caused by disrupted nerve impulses from the inner ear to the brain. Up to 18 children from the UK, Spain, and the US will be monitored for five years to assess the improvement in their hearing. The therapy involves delivering a working copy of the faulty OTOF gene using a modified virus. If successful, this gene therapy could provide a transformative opportunity for those with auditory neuropathy.