Developing a method to protect inner ear cells from antibiotic damage

ANALYTICAL METHOD DEVELOPMENT, VALIDATION AND STABILITY STUDY OF ORC-13661

NIH-funded research Midwest Research Institute · NIH-11042083

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMidwest Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042083 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics and are at risk of ototoxicity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or those who do not have a risk of ototoxicity may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Kansas City, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.