American BioHealth Group
One of the companies working to commercialize a "hearing
pill" is American BioHealth Group. Here's their story:
March 2002 - American BioHealth Group Licenses Breakthrough Navy Hearing Loss
Technology
June 2002 - Hearing-Loss Pill on the Horizon
August 2002 - Update
on Pill to Prevent Hearing Loss
March 2003 - We've been following the work of a company
that is licensing US Navy technology to prevent noise-induced hearing
loss (NIHL). Here's the latest report.
April 2007 - Compound has been shown to
counter noise-related loss
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August 2002
A few months ago we reported that the Office of Naval Research has
developed a pill that appears to be effective in preventing hearing loss
caused by loud noises. The idea is that a person who will be in a loud
situation takes the pill before entering the noisy situation and the
antioxidants in the pill prevent the noise from damaging the hair cells.
Now the New Scientist is reporting that animal tests suggest the pill
may continue to prevent noise-induced hearing loss for several weeks.
This pill has clear implications for the military, where noise exposure
comes with the territory. It also has great appeal for people in
industrial settings, musicians, rock fans, etc. The Deafness Research
Foundation estimates that ten million Americans have hearing loss that
is at least partly attributable to noise.
A company called American Biohealth has signed a licensing agreement
to further develop the drug. They expect to begin testing in four
months; the pills could be commercially available by 2007.
The original research was conducted using a catheter to deliver
antioxidants directly to the ear, but it now appears that oral
medication is nearly as effective.
For the full article, point your browser to http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99992666
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April 2007
And with further research, scientists are hoping
that the compound, commonly used to treat Tylenol overdose, may win
regulatory approval for restoration of hearing loss. The compound, N-acetylcysteine,
or NAC, is being marketed as an over-the-counter product known as the
“hearing pill” by American BioHealth Group in San Diego. Two-thirds
of U.S. personnel wounded in Iraq have some kind of hearing loss, said
Cmdr. Michael Hoffer, a doctor at San Diego Naval Medical Center who
directs the hearing programs for the nation's military hospitals. That
injury can create balance issues and make military life even more
dangerous, he said. Full
Story
