Developing drugs to prevent hearing loss caused by certain antibiotics
Official title: Therapeutics to prevent aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss
Funded at Ting Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11228816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new medicine called TT003, made from a natural pepper, to see if it can help protect your hearing while you take certain antibiotics that can sometimes cause hearing loss, and if it works well, it could be a great option for people needing these antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ting Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 17, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $524,299 |
| NIH project number | 6R44DC019065-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11228816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are prescribed aminoglycoside antibiotics and are at risk of developing hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or those with pre-existing hearing loss unrelated to antibiotic use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new medications to protect against hearing loss that can occur from the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, which are commonly prescribed for serious bacterial infections. The team is investigating a compound called TT003, derived from a natural pepper, which has shown promise in animal models for reducing hearing loss associated with these antibiotics. The research involves testing the effectiveness of TT003 in various dosing regimens and understanding how it interacts with the antibiotics to ensure both efficacy in fighting infections and protection against hearing loss. Patients may benefit from this research if the drug proves effective in clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a medication that prevents hearing loss in patients receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to prevent hearing loss from aminoglycosides, the specific use of TT003 is a novel approach that has not yet been widely tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Ting Therapeutics, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zuo, Jian — Ting Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zuo, Jian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
Researchers are looking at whether hearing damage from loud noise speeds memory loss and dementia in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
-
Audiological rehabilitation for children with unilateral hearing loss
A research project aims to help children who hear with one ear by testing ways to improve their hearing and communication through targeted audiology interventions.
-
Choosing the right hearing device for kids with moderate-to-severe hearing loss
This grant explores which hearing device—hearing aids or cochlear implants—works best for children aged 0-11 with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
-
Noise-related hearing loss and brain-to-ear feedback in hearing protection
A small, patient-friendly study will look at how loud noise changes the brain’s control over hearing and whether this affects conditions like tinnitus or sensitivity to sound.
-
How loud noise can change the brain's sound decisions
This project looks at how loud noise-related hearing loss may affect how people process sounds and make quick decisions about what they hear.
-
Understanding how tactile language and wearable tech can help DeafBlind children learn and use language
A study at Gallaudet University tests a new tactile language and wearable haptic devices to help DeafBlind children build early language and everyday life skills.
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.