Using pigs to improve drug delivery methods for hearing loss treatment
Establishing the pig as a large animal model for studying drug delivery to the inner ear
['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · NIH-10889105
This study is looking at how to better deliver medicine directly to the inner ear using pigs, which have ear structures similar to ours, to find new ways to help treat hearing loss more effectively.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RALEIGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10889105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of pigs as a large animal model to explore new ways to deliver drugs directly to the inner ear, which is crucial for treating hearing loss. Current methods often fail to effectively penetrate the inner ear's protective barriers, limiting the effectiveness of therapies. By utilizing pigs, which have inner ear structures more similar to humans than rodents, researchers aim to develop non-invasive drug delivery strategies that could enhance treatment outcomes. The study will involve testing various drug delivery techniques to determine their efficacy and safety in this model.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing hearing loss due to various causes, including age-related factors, noise exposure, or genetic conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with hearing loss that is not amenable to drug treatment or those who have already undergone irreversible damage to their hearing may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for hearing loss, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on drug delivery methods in rodent models, the use of pigs for this specific purpose is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
RALEIGH, UNITED STATES
- NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH — RALEIGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GREENBAUM, ALON — NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- Study coordinator: GREENBAUM, ALON
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 below.