Pioneering research brings cure for hearing loss one step closer

2 April 2009

Research funded by RNID and Deafness Research UK has made a major breakthrough towards using stem cells as a treatment for hearing loss in the future.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Sheffield, has successfully isolated human stem cells and discovered how to turn these into either cells that behave like sensory hair cells or auditory neurons. The cells could be used to restore hearing loss.

Currently, there is no way to repair hair cells once they have been damaged and the resulting hearing loss is permanent.  The results of this research also means that, for the first time, there is now a system based on human cells for testing new therapies in the laboratory. Until now, only animal systems have been available, which may not be as clinically relevant.

Lead researcher and senior research fellow at the University of Sheffield, Dr Marcelo Rivolta, said:

“The potential of stem cells is very exciting. We have now an experimental system to study genes and drugs in a human context. Moreover, these cells would help us to develop the technologies needed to deliver them into damaged tissues, such as the cochlea, in order to restore the different cell types. This should facilitate the development of a stem cell treatment for deafness.”

Dr Ralph Holme, director of biomedical research at RNID, said:

“Stem cell therapy for hearing loss is still some years away but this research is incredibly promising and opens up exciting possibilities by bringing us closer to restoring hearing in the future.”

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive of Deafness Research UK, said:

”This study highlights the importance of stem cell research. In addition to the future potential for restoring hearing with stem cell therapy, the recent research success means that we may now have better ways to test the efficacy and toxicity of new drugs on auditory cells.”

The research has been published today in the May edition of Stem Cells.

ENDS

RNID media contact: Annie Goss, tel. 020 7296 8137
Deafness Research UK media contact: Jon Gardner, tel.  0114 275 6996 or 07930 697773