Millions of people suffer from hearing disorders
The disorders
Tinnitus or "ringing in the ears" is a phantom sound that is generated in the brain. Hyperacusis, or over-sensitivity to certain sounds, is commonly associated with tinnitus and also originates in the brain.
Impaired quality of life
Many people with tinnitus suffer from sleep disorders, difficulties concentrating, and negative affect such as anger, irritability, anxiety and depression.
No cure
Tinnitus is estimated to be the third most common health problem world-wide. Despite the significant need, there is no FDA-approved medication for lessening or ameliorating tinnitus.
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Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
Age-related hearing loss
The disorder
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) or presbycusis is a functional loss in the ability to process sounds. For most people, this functional loss occurs in both the inner ear and in the brain. Sound processing deficits in the inner ear can be improved with current hearing aid technology. Unfortunately, some people resist wearing hearing aids. Hearing aids also do not solve sound processing deficits in the brain. Effective treatments are lacking for the component of ARHL that originates in the brain.
Hearing loss impairs quality of life
Age-related hearing loss causes difficulties in understanding speech and leads to social isolation. ARHL is associated with cognitive decline, perhaps due to social isolation.
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Our Solution
Science
Innovation
Progress
Ion channel
Success
Peptides
Hearing
Technology
Small molecules
Idea
Ion channels influence how brains cells, or neurons, shape the flow of information in the brain. Changes in ion channel function alter how neurons integrate and pass on electrochemical signals to other neurons. At Cognosetta, our medications development program is based on the idea that adjusting ion channel and neuroreceptor function can return neuronal signaling to normal, promoting healthy brain function and remedying disorders that originate in the brain.
Research
Our preclinical results support the utility of targeting a specific ion channel for treating hearing disorders like tinnitus and age-related hearing loss. We have shown preclinical utility for ameliorating tinnitus. In other preclinical studies, we have shown utility in improving hearing acuity and counteracting a loss of sensitivity to sounds that occurs with age.
Progress
Our scientists have identified a drug target and drug candidates for improving neurophysiological and behavioral measures of tinnitus and age-related hearing loss. To support the clinical success of these drug candidates our scientists are also advancing quantitative methods for evaluating the efficacy of new drug candidates that can be shared across the preclinical and clinical development stages.
Search
At Cognosetta, we value scientific research exploring ion channels as targets for neurological diseases. We are open to industry, academic, and government partnerships to validate ion channel targets and develop drug candidates that influence ion channel function.