Natural therapies to protect against hearing loss from certain antibiotics
Official title: Natural-based therapies for sensory disorders
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11130302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a natural compound called piperlongumine to see if it can help protect against hearing loss caused by certain antibiotics, and it's using zebrafish to find the best versions of this compound that might help people who are at risk of losing their hearing from these medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $581,105 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021954-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are undergoing treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics and are at risk of hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or who have pre-existing hearing loss unrelated to these medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of natural compounds, specifically piperlongumine, to prevent hearing loss caused by aminoglycoside antibiotics. The approach involves high-throughput screening of bioactive natural compounds using zebrafish models to identify potential protective agents. The study aims to develop and test derivatives of piperlongumine that can better interact with specific receptors in the inner ear, potentially offering a new treatment option for patients at risk of antibiotic-induced hearing loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect patients from permanent hearing loss associated with aminoglycoside antibiotic treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with similar natural compound approaches, but this specific application of piperlongumine is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zallocchi, Marisa L. — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Zallocchi, Marisa L.
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.