220 - Pioneering Drug Development for Hearing Loss with Dr. Jonathan Kil

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jonathan Kil, the CEO and CMO of Sound Pharmaceuticals to discuss the latest developments in hearing loss treatment. With a distinguished background in auditory neuroscience and otolaryngology, Dr. Kil co-founded Sound Pharmaceuticals over 22 years ago with a mission to develop drug-based therapies for sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. He has led the company’s research and development strategy, securing numerous NIH and Department of Defense awards, and spearheading numerous clinical studies. Dr. Kil recounts the journey of Sound Pharmaceuticals over the past two decades, highlighting the challenges faced and milestones achieved. He focuses on the development of SPI-1005. SPI-1005 is an investigational drug that contains ebselen, a small molecule that is a new chemical entity, under FDA classification, an innovative drug currently in clinical trials for Meniere's disease, noise-induced hearing loss, and aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Dr. Kil emphasizes the importance of their work, explaining how these treatments aim to provide better solutions for patients and improve their quality of life. Dr. Kil recounts the journey of Sound Pharmaceuticals over the past two decades, highlighting the challenges faced and milestones achieved. He focuses on the development of SPI-1005, an investigational drug containing ebselen, a novel anti-inflammatory compound that mimics and induces the activity of Glutathione Peroxidase, an enzyme critical to hearing and balance. Currently in clinical trials, SPI-1005 has shown safety and efficacy in treating three different forms of acquired sensorineural hearing loss in adults: loud sound exposure or acute noise-induced hearing loss, Meniere's disease, and antibiotic-induced ototoxicity. Dr. Kil explains the science behind these innovative therapies, the potential impact they may have, and the rigorous steps being taken to bring them to market. The conversation provides a unique perspective on the current state and future of pharmaceutical treatments for hearing loss and other inner ear conditions.

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