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MED-EL, the Austrian hearing implant manufacturer, acquired two gene therapy programs from Rescue Hearing Inc., a biotechnology company focused on genetic therapies for hearing and balance disorders. The acquisition was announced June 30. The programs target mutations in two genes: STRC, which is a genetic cause of hearing loss in a population currently managed primarily with hearing aids, and MYO7A, which is associated with a genetic cause of balance disorders. Financial terms were not disclosed publicly.
According to the company, MED-EL has acquired full rights to further develop, advance, and potentially commercialize both programs, and the two companies will continue to cooperate following the transaction. MED-EL described the move as extending its work into gene-based approaches alongside its existing implantable and non-implantable hearing devices.
Both programs are in development and are not approved treatments. Gene therapy for genetic hearing loss is an active area of research, but these specific programs would require clinical trials and regulatory review before any potential availability. The announcement is based on company statements.
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