Developing a method to protect inner ear cells from antibiotic damage
Official title: ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT, VALIDATION AND STABILITY STUDY OF ORC-13661
Funded at Midwest Research Institute · NIH-11042083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new drug called ORC-13661 to see if it can help protect your hearing and balance while you’re being treated with certain antibiotics that can sometimes cause hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Midwest Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 29, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $20,648 |
| NIH project number | 271201700006I-P00002-759502200002-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics and are at risk of ototoxicity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or those who do not have a risk of ototoxicity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the development and validation of ORC-13661, a small molecule designed to protect inner ear hair cells from the harmful effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics. These antibiotics, while effective against serious infections, often cause irreversible hearing loss and balance issues due to their toxicity to hair cells. The study aims to explore how ORC-13661 can inhibit the entry of these antibiotics into hair cells, potentially preserving hearing and balance in patients undergoing treatment. By validating this method, the research seeks to provide a safer alternative for patients requiring aminoglycoside therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and balance impairments in patients treated with aminoglycoside antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using small molecules to protect against antibiotic-induced ototoxicity is promising, it is still largely novel and untested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Midwest Research Institute
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slade, Desmond — Midwest Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Slade, Desmond
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.