eiF2B Activators for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Official title: eiF2B Activators to Treat Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Funded at Jacaranda Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11326822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new small-molecule treatment approach aims to help people with hearing loss caused by loud noises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jacaranda Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,436,795 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DC020069-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11326822 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with noise-induced hearing loss or at high risk due to occupational noise exposure could benefit in the future if the therapy progresses to clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without NIHL or those not eligible for future trials may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a drug candidate (JBI-015) that targets a cellular pathway called the Unfolded Protein Response to protect hearing after noise exposure. It plans to advance the compound from early development into preclinical studies, with backup candidates JBI-016 and JBI-028 as alternatives. The work is designed to address acquired hearing loss seen in workers and individuals exposed to loud environments, aiming to translate a lab finding into potential therapies. The research will involve laboratory studies using models to understand safety and effectiveness before any human testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to a new therapeutic option to prevent or reduce hearing loss from loud noise.
How similar studies have gone: Previous NIHL research has explored protective strategies, and this project builds on a novel angle by targeting the unfolded protein response with a small molecule.
Where this research is happening
-
Jacaranda Biosciences, INC.
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahl, Russell — Jacaranda Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dahl, Russell
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
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-
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This grant explores which hearing device—hearing aids or cochlear implants—works best for children aged 0-11 with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
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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.