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Ear Research Foundation Studying a Potential Medicine to Restore Hearing in New Clinical Trial Hearing loss experts at the Ear Research Foundation are investigating whether a drug candidate designed to regenerate hair cells within the ear may improve hearing and speech clarity Contact Name: Herbert Silverstein Contact Email: research@earrf.org Contact Phone Number: 941-556-4264 Sarasota, June 29th, 2022 – Hearing loss experts at the Ear Research Foundation have dosed their first patient in a clinical trial of an investigational medicine designed to regenerate hair cells in the inner ear and potentially restore hearing in patients with acquired sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). More than 41 million Americans have SNHL, a condition caused by damage to the hair cells or nerve fibers in the cochlea. Once damaged, these structures do not regenerate on their own, making this type of hearing loss a permanent, irreversible condition. SNHL may be caused by excessive noise exposure, aging, viruses and medicines that are toxic to the ear. It may also occur suddenly and without a known cause. The clinical trial is currently enrolling patients who are 18-65 years old with SNHL acquired through excessive noise exposure or a sudden loss of hearing. The drug candidate being studied in the clinical trial, FX-322, is designed to regenerate cells in the cochlea that are necessary for healthy hearing. By potentially regenerating these cells, FX-322 may help to restore hearing in patients with SNHL by improving speech perception – or the ability to clarify sounds and understand speech. FX-322 is a gel that is locally injected into the ear, a common procedure performed by an ear, nose and throat doctor. Three previous clinical studies in which a single dose of FX-322 was administered have shown improvements in speech perception – the first time a hearing improvement has been observed with a therapeutic. In addition, FX-322 has been observed to be well-tolerated with no serious adverse effects. The Ear Research Foundation is one of more than 25 sites in the United States participating in a Phase 2b clinical trial sponsored by Frequency Therapeutics. To see if you qualify, please call 941-556-4264 or email us at info@earrf.org About Ear Research Foundation: In 1979, the Ear Research Foundation was established as a non-profit organization by President and Founder, Dr. Herbert Silverstein. The Foundation was created out of his desire to continue research and development, and to contribute to medical education in a private setting in the field of Otolaryngology. A board of volunteer Trustees drawn from the community governs the Foundation. A medical advisory board of specialists from around the world lends guidance and support. For more information, visit earrf.org.