Sensorion and Uconn Health Announce Identification of First Potential Biomarker for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

New study shows prestin in the blood following noise-induced trauma may be a biomarker for hearing loss

MONTPELLIER, France, April 23, 2018 -- New preclinical study findings presented at the 53^rd American Neurotology Society (ANS) Annual Spring Meeting reveal the first potential biomarker for noise-induced hearing loss.

The collaborative research study’s findings were jointly presented by Sensorion (FR0012596468 – ALSEN) and UConn Health.

The laboratory study identified changes in prestin blood levels, an outer hair cell (OHC) protein, in a preclinical model with noise-induced hearing loss. Researchers analyzed the blood samples for the amount of circulating blood serum prestin levels. The study showed that the severity of hearing loss correlated with amount of change in levels of prestin circulating in the blood.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is a devastating condition that significantly affects patients’ quality of life,” said Dr. Kourosh Parham, Associate Professor and Director of Research in UConn Health’s Division of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. “Working with Sensorion to arrive at these results has been an opportunity to introduce the field of otology to a new potential biomarker candidate for the future possible early diagnosis of hearing loss in patients before their condition becomes severe.”

“The collaboration of Sensorion with UConn Health’s Division of Otolaryngology has resulted in the discovery of a potentially vital biomarker for the early diagnosis of hearing loss,” said Nawal Ouzren, Chief Executive Officer of Sensorion. “As with many diseases, the earlier, clinicians can diagnose a disease, the better our chances for effective intervention. Sensorion intends to integrate measuring prestin in the clinical trial of its lead compound SENS-401.”

The oral presentation, “Noise-Induced Trauma Produces a Temporal Pattern of Change in Serum Levels of the Outer Hair Cell Biomarker Prestin,” was presented at COSM. The major annual scientific event’s mission is to bring together ENT societies for the purpose of spreading and exchanging the latest clinical and basic scientific research.

About SENS-401
SENS-401, R-azasetron besylate, is a drug candidate that aims to protect and preserve inner ear tissue when lesions are present that can cause progressive or sequelar hearing impediments. A small molecule that can be taken orally or via an injection, SENS-401 has received Orphan Drug Designation in Europe for the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and Orphan Drug Designation from the US FDA for the prevention of platinum-induced ototoxicity in pediatric population.

About Sensorion
Sensorion is a biotech company pioneering novel treatments of inner ear diseases such as severe vertigo, tinnitus or hearing loss. Two products are currently in the clinical development stage: SENS-111, in phase 2 in acute unilateral vestibulopathy (vestibular neuritis), and SENS-401, which has completed a phase 1 trial. The company was founded by Inserm (the French Institute of Health and Medical Research) and is utilizing its pharmaceutical R&D experience and comprehensive technology platform to develop first-in-class easy-to-administer, notably orally active, drugs for treating and preventing hearing loss and the symptoms of bouts of vertigo and tinnitus.

Based in Montpellier, Southern France, Sensorion has received financial support from Bpifrance, through the InnoBio fund, and Inserm Transfert Initiative.

Sensorion has been listed on the Euronext Growth Paris exchange since April 2015.
www.sensorion-pharma.com

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