Creating inner ear tissues from stem cells

Engineering multi-lineage inner ear organoids

['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10981671

This study is exploring how to grow tiny, functional inner ear tissues from human stem cells, which could help create better treatments for hearing loss and related issues.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10981671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how to develop functional inner ear tissues from human pluripotent stem cells using a specialized three-dimensional culture system. By refining the process of creating inner ear organoids, the project aims to generate various cell types found in the inner ear, including sensory hair cells and neurons. The research focuses on understanding the chemical and physical signals necessary for this development, which could lead to improved models for drug discovery and gene therapy. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatments for hearing loss and related conditions as a result of this work.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hearing loss or related inner ear conditions who may benefit from innovative therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to inner ear function or those who do not have hearing loss may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hearing loss and other inner ear disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing organoids for various tissues, indicating potential success for this novel approach in inner ear tissue engineering.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.