Med-El has acquired two gene therapy programs from Rescue Hearing Inc targeting mutations in the MYO7A and STRC genes, expanding the hearing implant company’s pipeline into biological approaches to vestibular and auditory dysfunction.
Med-El, the Innsbruck, Austria-based hearing implant manufacturer, has acquired two gene therapy programs from Rescue Hearing Inc, a biotechnology company focused on genetic therapies for hearing and balance disorders. The programs target mutations in the MYO7A and STRC genes, addressing underlying biological mechanisms associated with vestibular and auditory dysfunction, respectively.
The STRC gene therapy program targets a genetic cause of hearing loss in a patient population currently managed primarily with hearing aids. The MYO7A program is being developed to address a genetic cause of balance disorders. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Med-El has acquired full rights to further develop, advance, and potentially commercialize both programs. Med-El and Rescue Hearing Inc have indicated they will continue their cooperation following the transaction.
Expanding the Pipeline Beyond Hearing Devices
The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Med-El into gene-based therapeutic approaches. The company has emphasized that the programs are intended to augment, not replace, its established portfolio of implantable and non-implantable hearing solutions.
“This acquisition represents a strategic step in Med-El’s mission to provide hearing and balance solutions across the full continuum of care,” says Ingeborg Hochmair, PhD, CEO of Med-El, in a release. “By adding these gene therapy programs to our pipeline, we are exploring innovative approaches that may address the underlying genetic causes of certain disorders, while continuing to advance and invest in our proven hearing implant technologies.”
Dr Hinrich Staecker, who will serve as chief scientist for advancing the development of the two programs, highlighted the potential of targeting disease at its origin. Staecker has been recognized as an early translational pioneer in inner ear gene therapy.
“Targeting the genetic basis of inner ear disorders offers the potential to address disease mechanisms at their source,” says Staecker, in a release. “The MYO7A and STRC programs represent important steps in translating scientific insights into potential therapeutic approaches, complementing existing clinical solutions.”
Industry Context
The acquisition comes as interest in hearing-related gene therapy has grown considerably across the industry.
Jim Ayala, CEO of Rescue Hearing Inc, expressed confidence in the stewardship of the programs going forward.
“Med-El’s established expertise in hearing science and clinical application makes the company a strong steward for these programs,” says Ayala, in a release. “We are pleased to see them become part of a broader portfolio aimed at improving outcomes for people with hearing and balance disorders.”
Rescue Hearing Inc developed the MYO7A and STRC programs as part of its focus on genetic interventions for inner ear disorders. The Innsbruck-based acquirer, meanwhile, has continued to broaden its portfolio on multiple fronts, including recent partnerships with Starkey on CI connectivity and ongoing work toward a totally implantable cochlear implant.
