Neurophysiologists at the University of Connecticut (UConn) have discovered a new drug that may prevent tinnitus and treat epilepsy by selectively affecting potassium channels in the brain. According to an article in the June 10, 2015 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience, Anastasios V. Tzingounis, PhD, and colleagues say that both tinnitus and epilepsy are caused by overly excitable cells that flood the brain with an overload of signals that can lead to seizures (epilepsy) or phantom ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
The authors report that roughly 65 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy. While exact statistics on tinnitus are not easy to determine, the American Tinnutus Association estimates that two million people in the US suffer from disabling tinnitus.
According to Tzingounis and co-authors, the existing drugs available to treat epilepsy don’t always work and can have serious side effects. One of the more effective drugs, retigabine, helps open KCNQ potassium channels, which serve as the “brakes” that shut down the signaling of overly excited nerves. Retigabine, however, has terrible side effects and is usually only given to adults who don’t get relief from other epilepsy drugs. The side effects of retigabine include sleepiness, dizziness, problems with hearing and urination, and a disturbing tendency to turn patients’ skin and eyes blue.
In 2013, Tzingounis began collaborating with Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD, a tinnitus expert at the University of Pittsburgh, to create a new drug candidate. The new drug, SF0034, was chemically identical to retigabine, but included an extra fluorine atom. Originally developed by SciFluor, the company wanted to know whether the compound had promise for treating epilepsy and tinnitus.
Tzingounis and Tzounopoulos thought the drug had the potential to be much better than retigabine in treating both conditions. They first had to determine if SF0034 worked on KCNQ potassium channels the same way retigabine does, and if so, if it would be better or worse.
The co-authors explain in their article that KCNQ potassium channels are found in the initial segment of axons, long nerve fibers that reach out and almost touch other cells. The gap between the axon and the other cell is called a synapse. When the cell wants to signal to the axon, it floods the synapse with sodium ions to create an electrical potential. When that electrical potential goes on too long, or gets overactive, the KCNQ potassium channel kicks in. The result is that it opens, potassium ions flood out, and the sodium-induced electrical potential shuts down.
In some types of epilepsy, the KCNQ potassium channels have trouble opening and shutting down runaway electrical potentials in the nerve synapse. Retigabine helps them open. According to the authors, there are five different kinds of KCNQ potassium channels in the body, but only two are important in epilepsy and tinnitus: KCNQ2 and KCNQ3. The problem with retigabine is that it acts on other KCNQ potassium channels as well. That’s why it has so many unwanted side effects.
When testing SF0034 in neurons, the researchers found that it was more selective than retigabine. It appeared to open only KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 potassium channels, and to not affect the KCNQ 4 or 5 potassium channels. The research showed that SF0034 was more effective than retigabine at preventing seizures in animals, and it was also less toxic.
The results are promising, and SciFluor plans to start FDA trials with SF0034 to test its safety and efficacy in people. Treating epilepsy is the primary goal, but treating or preventing tinnitus is a secondary goal.
Source: UConn; Medical News Today
Photo credits: University of Connecticut; University of Pittsburgh; © Skypixel | Dreamstime.com
I also been dealing with Tinnitus for 7 years. Don’t know exactly why it came on but one day it was there. I think it was directly related to a chiropractor pushing on my neck 2 days a week for 2 months. I believe mine is from some nerve compression in the neck as when my neck is relaxed the noise is lower, usually not always but usually.The link to nerves in the neck and the audio cortex region. Anyway its ruined half my life as when it gets louder all I can do is go home and try to sleep hope that it will be lower when i wake up. I have tried so many so called cures or natural things I can’t list them all, I would like updates on the progress of this drug please.
I got tinnitus Memorial Day 2016. My brother in law fired a 17 cal. Rifle one foot away from my unprotected ear. I unfortunately lifted up my ear protection above my ears onto my hat to take a drink and didn’t remember to lower them again, but I also didn’t expect that a seasoned hunter would discharge a gun that close to my head. Biggest mistake of my life, tinnitus for 7 months now and I am sure for life. It is horrible, I have often thought that I would have been better off shot dead that day! A cure is desperately what has to be figured out!
People, hang in there. I’ve had tinnitus for over 19 years now. Mine is due to exposure to loud gunfire when I was serving in the army. Like most of you, my ENT specialist told me there is nothing he can do for me. I’m currently not on any form of medication or hearing aid. The best way to fight tinnitus is to learn not to be affected by it. Yes, it’s there 24/7, but that doesn’t mean we have to feel miserable. Stay positive.
My daughter suffered from terrible tinnitus for more than 23 years which started after she turned 5. It got even worse as days went by. We tried several treatments and therapy prescribed by various doctors we met but to no avail, she lost total concentration and screamed most times. She usually tells me she hears hissing and ringing noises. This were steady noise that disrupted her entire life, even at night she screams even more because the sounds become louder because everywhere is quiet and she slept less because of this. It was during a casual conversation with a friend that i learned about Dr. Williams’ herbal medicine. I was able to contact him on his email address. A few day later he sent me the herbal potion and his medicine was able to restore her back to normal and she is very okay now without any side effects whatsoever. If you have Tinnitus, do not hesitate to contact him on [email protected] for advice and for his product. I hope this also helps someone out there.
Thanks for your comment Jessica. The Hearing Review cannot endorse any products or therapies mentioned here, and we have no knowledge of this one, but include it in the comment with the hope that it may help some of our readers. (NOTE: Not every therapy works for every patient.)
Need help for my tinnitus. I am a US Vet. The VA told me that they can’t help me–just live with it.
I have tinnitus going on for 20 years now. Strangely, my tinnitus is cyclical: it goes away or becomes almost inaudible for about 2 weeks (between 10 or 15 days, it varies) then comes back with a vengeance. During the time it is away it returns when I am sleeping — usually just at the moment I fall asleep. I then either have to lift and shake my head or crumple a piece of noisy cellophane or other crinkly paper next to my ears for the tinnitus/noise to abate; I can then try to get some sleep before the hellish noise returns again. Sometimes the noise is reduced when I sleep on my right side — but this only happens very occasionally. I have consulted hearing professionals who informed me that my only hope is “retraining therapy” — which I stopped after a while as it seemed to have no effect on the reduction of the noise, which I perceive more in the head than in the ears. By the way, there seems to be a link between (sudden) trauma and tinnitus: one case I know of is of a man who developed tinnitus soon after his house burnt down! Another is of someone who lost a treasured family heirloom, with tinnitus following soon after. Could be coincidence, but who knows?
Try mitrazapine, which seems to quiet tinnitus down for me.
what type of drug is that?
I have been suffering from Tinnitus for the past 6 yrs of my life. It started two years after I came back from Iraq. I worked on an air craft carrier called the USS JFK as an air craft tow tractor driver. I was the one right next to the F-14s taking off 12 hrs a day. Sometimes my Tinnitus is so bad I feel like I live in the Twilight Zone. The depression and anxiety make me hate this place with what little heart that I have left. Tinnitus is the worst thing I have ever experienced in my life. I hope there will be relief with drugs or any other therapy soon.
Hi everybody, I’m suffering from tinnitus over 13 years…this summer I tried r-tms recovery, plus i’m using “com rinex” and “oteflavonid” supplements. No changes:( but I still continue the supplement. Pls let me know when this drug will publish. Hope to hear the silence again. Love and peace.
I have been suffering from tinnitus for 10months after a dental procedure which last for 3 hrs extracting my tooth. I have not since lived my normal life because of the noise in my ears coupled with dizziness and nausea. I could work anymore. Please help me if this drug goes on trial. Im willing to undergo such. Im residing here in the Philippines. Pls help me. Thanks a lot.
I’ve had tinnitus for 8 years in my left ear. I cannot seem to calm down the ringing. I hope England gets this medication soon. We all need help–like everyone who has got some form of tinnitus.
Tinnitus relief is something that I was searching for in my life for a long time. Between hoping for a cure, new medicines, hearing aids and other natural remedies, I have probably tried them all. My hearing was damaged years back when I was at a concert jamming out to my favorite band and not understanding or caring that I was damaging my ears. The ringing in the ears got progressively worse and I did little to change that which definitely made it a mistake that I will be dealing with for the rest of my life. I tried a vitamin supplement called Lipo-Flavonoid that did bring my tinnitus to a reasonable level. It made it more manageable, but It took a really long time to work and had some bad effects that included increased ringing in the ears at first. I almost quit before it was done, but waited it out because I didn’t want to waste my money. This tinnitus treatment ended up lowering my problem about half the loudness it was. It’s still there, but it’s not deafening. I wish you all good mental health.
Have had tinnitus for 10 yrs. Got really bad when my husband became ill and passed away. Since then I purchased the Neuromonics device. Done a lot of acupuncture and chiropractic. Am on meds for anxiety and to help me sleep. It’s a lonely world when you are alone, and all you wake up to is noise in your head or wherever it comes from. Guess that’s why I found this website. Is 1:11 AM. Can’t sleep. Hopefully and prayerfully, we can all get help someday soon. Have seen some websites where all is bickering. This seems different. Thanks to all.
To all who have posted here: My now 19 year old son developed tinnitus one year ago after a severe sinus infection. It is a tone in the 14,400 Khz range; soft and constant. He slipped into deep depression from lack of sleep and is now taking Prozac to “unstick” his hyper focus on the condition. I just want to thank you all for your comments, suggestions, and humanity here. My son, with any grace, will live another 60 odd years, and it breaks my heart that he has to deal with something like this so young. In addition, his brain processing makes him more sensitive to sound than the average. We continue to research, but it helps to know there are others who struggle. I wish you moments of peace (or more) and the hope they find a therapy/cure soon. And remember, you get to always follow your own heart when caring for yourself. DD
I hate to inform everybody that I’m 69 years old. Have had Tinnitus for 35 years. Every year it gets louder especially in mid September. I wear hearing aids for hearing loss in both ears. While wearing the aids the Tinnitus sound is cut in half. Even that is intolerable. It’s pure hell 24/7. Thank God I can still sleep at night. But I regret to tell you if they ever do find a cure, I’ll be dead and long gone! Then it won’t be a problem anymore.
The US government is shameful. They spend more on arms and weapons. Whats better for the nation? 50,000.000 potential workers or chronic patients? The gov just appropriated 70,000.000 for research on marijuana. Its insane. 40 suicides a day the majority of these people have tinnitus. Christians I dont think so!
Please, if anybody can suggest anything to help me to get some peace & normallity from this 24/7 nightmare ringing in my head/ears. I have just retired after 45 years working at a very nice park. Now its a nightmare. I will do anything or any trial or medication to help me escape this hell. I know many people suffer like me, please find a cure soon. Thank you, Graham
Graham …
I have had Tinnitus since 2001 and it may be a little louder now. I have come to live with it three ways.
First of all, something for the nerves…I take klonapen or a small 10 mg dose of thorazine to take the edge off.
Background noise like a box fan blowing on you after the klonapen at night help you go to sleep.
Third…I finally realized the good part of T was if I am hearing it I am still alive. That’s good but may have to practice that line of thinking. It’s like your dog passing away, the good news is you outlived it. Hope this helps but better days are coming !! It won’t kill you !
[email protected]
I am enjoying Jango Radio. I keep playing it all the time with my new Oticon hearing aids. They are connected to my apple iPhone. I am sure you could use regular headphones. Jango radio is an APP, and you choose the music. In my case, it helps drown out my tinnitus/hearing problem, and helps me so much.
I have had tinnitus for almost 45 years and have always believed it was caused by ear damage from loud music. I’ve learned to live with it, but I think it may contribute to low-grade depression from time to time. The most trouble comes from not being able to hear conversation when dining in even modestly loud restaurants. As a result, my social life has suffered a lot. Any suggestions or update newsletters etc would be appreciated.
Hi Len,
Sorry to hear of your difficulties with tinnitus. We often publish updates on the research studies we cover in The Hearing Review, including tinnitus studies, and distribute news & updates via our digital e-newsletter, The Insider. You can sign up for the e-newsletter on the Home Page of our website (click on the “Sign Up” box in upper right-hand corner at http://www.HearingReview.com).
My husband too is suffering from tinnitus since lst Oct 2015, due to one day loud music in ear while wearing ear phones…no relief. Please tell me the drug.
Hi Shilpi,
The drug is a test compound called SF0034. The scientists and the drug company, SciFluor, hope to begin clinical trials in the near future. Again, this is still in the drug testing stages, and this is not a drug currently on the commercial market for purchase by consumers.
I had childhood epilepsy that went away when I was about 9 or 10. I am now 56 and have had ringing in my ears (high pitched and varaible) since I was about 18 or so.
Now it is loud and non-stop.
Both ears, left one is worse.
I did abuse my hearing with heavy equipment, concerts, chainsaws, engines, etc.
I developed tinnitus as a side effect from taking Lyrica. The pitch & volume goes up and down without a reason. Lately it’s been a “Shrill, High-pitched” sound that is worse than Chinese water torture. If it was a day or two I could tolerate it. But this day after day nonsense is wearing me down. Being a musician makes it even more disconcerting. If I could even get relief for a few days a week that would be good. It interferes with sleep & my Adls. Surely some compassionate doctor somewhere could find a way to ease my suffering as they would with any other ailment. I have no hope for resolution of this problem.
Did you stop taking the Lycra has your tinnitus got better for it. I take Lycra and feel my tinnitus has got worse to unbearable the last 6 months. I think I need to try another medication just to rule it out
can you be absolutely sure it’s lyrica that is making your tinnitus worse?
At age 47 I developed tinnitus after starting on Lyrica. I stopped the Lyrica. The tinnitus has continued. It changes in volume but is 24/7. I miss silence. Used to take the ability to “hear” silence for granted. Ah, the sound of silence. I’ve been to ENT physicians. Been told there is nothing I can do about it. I feel for you all!
Hi, how do you attribute tinnitus to lyrica? I take it too but I am wondering if it is oxotoxic
You can get a free hearing test at Miracle Ear. Hearing loss is associated with tinnitus. There are hearing aids made specifically to mask the tinnitus noise. I have a friend that was helped. Miracle Ear offers 30 day trial money back guarantee but you have to pay upfront or qualify for financing. My husband suffers terribly and has significant hearing loss in one ear. He is in the process of trying this out.
I believe I got my tinnitus by noise-induced hearing loss from music or with the tablets [I took] for open heart surgery–the med is metropolo. It is a pulsating tinnitus. I have had it for ten months now. Will it go away? Please help. It is 24/7!
I called and spoke to someone at SciFlour and he was one of the researchers. He stated that he thought that in five years the drug would be available to the public.
5 years? I have had debilitating tinnitus for over 35 years!! It’s hell. I cannot function at times and no sleep. During the day its just on and on and on. Its not ringing but humming, hissing, buzzing, crackling. It changes. Motorcycle accident 35 years ago. Total loss of hearing. Bad concussion, etc. This is pure hell. The government needs to fund more and more research to the top research places. Massachusetts Eye and Ear is a big one.
I do not understand how they can say that tinnitus is a secondary objective. There are people who suffer and are unable to live in peace due to this problem. Make a drug that helps to improve the tinnitus or cure it.
I agree with you, the government is wasting money on other things. Why not help to find a cure for tinnitus?
Can I please get updates? I need to have hope that I won’t have this screeching forever. Thank you.
Hi Debbie, Hearing Review will continue posting updates to tinnitus research as the news becomes available to us. We invite you to check back regularly and search our website for “tinnitus” articles to locate the latest tinnitus news. Also, if you go to our Home Page and in the upper right-hand corner click on the little box in our banner that says “Sign Up for Our Newsletter,” you can fill out the private & secure form to be added to our e-newsletter mailing list. The Hearing Review’s weekly e-newsletter, The Insider, includes regular updates on the many research endeavors and programs that we cover. Thanks for your readership, and hang in there!
Cure would be nice. I have had it 10 Years in one one ear, and very conscious of it all day. For some reason, it doesn’t bother me too much.
If you guys and I mean the doctors and researchers don’t come out with something.soon. you have no idea what we suffer thru in a daily base with buzzing in the head and ears and sometimes wait for a miracle so we can live a healthy and normal life. Please help us and come out with a cure soon. Please !!! How long to we have to live like this. So far nothing helping. Desperate !!!
I have very loud tinnitus mostly in my left ear. I have found that clonazepam, on really bad days, helps along with drinking Stress Relief magnesium during the day. To sleep at night I have to take 1 mg lunesta and 50 mg seroquel, plus a sound machine. Hope this formula might help someone else who is struggling. GB
What I used for my tinnitus was a combination of self help books and zen meditation. It worked for me. You can check it out here: https://www.mental-waves-for-happiness.com/product/how-to-get-rid-of-tinnitus-ringing-in-ears
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your comment. We’ll share the information you provided in the hope that it may help some of our readers, but we are obligated to add that The Hearing Review has no information about the product you have mentioned here.
Can you guys make this drug available to tinnitus and epilepsy patients like me in South Sudan who has tinnitus? I know I can’t be involved in the trial because I am far away in Africa. Thanks and God bless.
Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please make this happen!
When will this new drug treatment be available to the public? Please help us. Please come out with it soon! Thank you.
I need help with my tinnitus. I have tried Neuromonics sound therapy and it helps. Please give us a drug to give us that peaceful silence that most people take for granted. This is so important because the suffering is unimaginable and i would be thankful beyond imagination. God bless your company and may you find a cure for the millions who are suffering.
Please help me. I’m 53 years old. My tinnitus is so bad after 25 years…I don’t think I’m going to make it.
[email protected]
Hi Greg,
Are you in touch with a hearing healthcare professional (HHP) to get therapy for your tinnitus? You might take a look at the different tinnitus therapies covered in other Hearing Review articles, which outline sound therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and others, and then work with your HHP to try to get some relief.
Here are some links to a few tinnitus therapy-related articles:
https://hearingreview.com/2015/06/mindfulness-based-tinnitus-stress-reduction-unraveling-gordian-knot-tinnitus/
https://hearingreview.com/2012/07/a-new-integrated-program-for-tinnitus-patient-management-widex-zen-therapy/
https://hearingreview.com/2015/12/new-publication-summarizes-findings-tinnitus-hyperacusis/
https://hearingreview.com/2015/04/study-explores-mindfulness-based-tinnitus-stress-reduction/
Other HR readers may have suggestions for additional tinnitus therapies and resources.
Hello sir, you give hope for living. Am suffering with tinnitus from 6 month. I don’t want to live with this anymore.
When will this drug (SF0034) be finalized for human treatments?
Hi Chris,
I checked the SciFluor website for an update on when SF0034 might get approved for a human clinical trial, but I don’t see any new information posted there as yet. We’ll try to post any updates to The Hearing Review as they become available. Alternately, here is the direct contact email for SciFluor:[email protected]
I have had tinnitus since active duty in the Air Force. The only thing that has helped me is Trans Derm Scopalomine patches. They reduce the volume and intensity of tinnitus. The patches are used for seasickness.
Hi John,
Sorry to hear that you have the dreaded tinnitus. Glad to hear that Trans Derm Scopalomine patches give you some relief.
I have had tinnitus for 3 months. Very loud. If I too could reduce the level I would be happy.
I live in Canada close to North Dakota. Do I require a prescription for the patches? Where are they available and are there any side affects?
Thank you
Joe Bussoli
$5 million for Tinnitus treatment. This must end.
I have had this terrible condition for over 25 years. Please let something be developed to help us all out of this nightmare. Autifony’s drug has failed, so what is next to give us hope?
Please hellp we are suffering help us tinnitus please.
I was a member of the ATA since 1991. My tinnitus just came back horribly from tapering off Xanax. I can hardly move. I’ve been hearing the “There should be a cure in ten years” thing since 1991. Still waiting…
I have had chronic tinnitus for over 37 years. It has altered my life like you wouldn’t believe. I, too, always read about hopefully a cure coming soon,10 years, 15 years since the mid 1990’s and it’s just ongoing and nothing to silence tinnitus. Why is it taking so long to find a cure?
Please , please , please rescue me. !!!!! I have such bad tennanitis it’s driving me crazy !!! I’ve been praying to God everyday since I’ve got it 6 months ago. I believe I got from the medication that was given to me from the doctor which was bus bar to treat me bc I couldn’t go to sleep when I received my heart stents back in March. I pray to god this magic pill can come out as soon as possible. Thank you doctors for your research and help in treating this debilating diseas. Yes it’s a disease. Please help us and me. Tell what I need to do to get over this. My life has changed so much. Hurry please for a cure. Thank you. George NAnakos.
I would like to say that there is retigabine pill. We from tinnitustalk forum have tried it a lot and believe it helps. I got immune after 3 months but during first 3-4 months on retigabine I could not hear tinnitus.
Thanks for your input, Christian. Note from Hearing Review: We are happy to post comments in the interest of fostering dialog, but caution HR readers that posts should not be construed as an endorsement of any medication or therapy that is discussed here. We recommend seeking the advice of a licensed hearing care professional regarding treatment for hearing loss and related conditions.
Please help…tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a nightmare, but there’s always hope. All the research being done is at least giving us sufferers more of an understanding of what’s actually going on. Thank You.
Please hurry up and make Rx to stop the ringing.
Please hurry and help us all suffering from the torture of Tinnitus.
Agree please help us asap.
I have been facing tinnitus for the past 6 years in my right ear and one year in my left ear. I am also waiting for your therapy, and would like to know when it has been approved by the FDA. Thanks, Subramanyam, INDIA
Dear Sir
When online I see where a new drug (sf0034) is in process and SciFluor plans to start fda trials with (sf0034). I have subjective tinnitus and am interested in the trial. can you offer any help or advice?
my phone
570-829-1690
Hello Carol and Nicholas,
Thanks for your comment, and if you are interested in the upcoming trial, we advise that you communicate directly with SciFluor. Here is the company’s information: SciFluor Life Sciences, LLC, An Allied Minds Company, 300 Technology Square, Suite 201, Cambridge, MA 02139; (617) 684-4748; [email protected]. Best of luck!
We are so many people waiting for a cure for tinnitus… this gives us hope.
can you please let me know when you will be trying the drug kcnq 2 and 3 for tinnitus because my 22 yr old son has it for 6 months now. he had an audiogram otoacoutic emission test tympanic test mri ct everything is normal it is so upsetting to see my son going thru this he sai that it did get alittle lower but still needs the fan on 24 hrs a day.he also told me that when he was little boy that whenever he would bite down on his teeth his ears would ring. i feel so awful for him. do you know when the trial will start and if its does cure tinnitus how long till its on the market
As mentioned in the previous comment, the anticipated clinical trial will be conducted or authorized through SciFluor, so we would encourage you to reach out to the company directly for more information. The company contact information is: SciFluor Life Sciences, LLC, An Allied Minds Company, 300 Technology Square, Suite 201, Cambridge, MA 02139; (617) 684-4748; [email protected]. Another great resource for tinnitus is the American Tinnitus Assn at http://www.ata.org. We wish you and your son the best of luck.
I am a 62 yr old female that has been suffering from Meniere’s Disease since I was 32. I have Chronic Tinnitus causing almost deafness in my right ear and I have Tinnitus in my left ear which is affecting my hearing. When the Tinnitus (sometimes pulsatile) gets really loud and I cannot hear well I have to wear my hearing aid. I am from Canada and I am very interested in the new medication. If you do get good results could you contact me? It would certainly be a relief after all the years I have suffered. Thank You Bev O’Connell
Thanks for posting your comment on The Hearing Review, Bev, and we’re very sorry to hear of your troubles with Meniere’s and tinnitus. The anticipated clinical trial will be conducted or authorized through SciFluor, so we encourage you to reach out to the company directly for more information. The company contact information is: SciFluor Life Sciences, LLC, An Allied Minds Company, 300 Technology Square, Suite 201, Cambridge, MA 02139; (617) 684-4748; [email protected]