LCT And The Bionic Ear Institute Announce Agreement To Improve Hearing Loss

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Article Date: 13 Mar 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Living Cell Technologies Limited (ASX: LCT) has entered into a collaborative agreement with The Bionic Ear Institute, an internationally recognised not-for-profit biomedical research organisation, to improve the hearing outcomes for cochlear implant patients through rehabilitation of the auditory nerve.

The collaboration will combine the platform technologies of LCT with the expertise of The Bionic Ear Institute's world-leading scientists and their know-how with models of deafness, cochlear implant technology, and experience in cell delivery to the cochlear.

"We've known that LCT's technology will play a significant role in enabling treatment of a variety of different conditions, but we are particularly excited about working with one of the world's leading groups into hearing loss," said LCT CEO, David Collinson.

The application of nerve growth factors (neurotrophins) to the inner ear has the potential to slow degenerative changes within the cochlea. Following deafness, it is the supply of these growth factors that is dramatically reduced, leading to a loss of auditory nerves.

"Importantly, this strategic partnership will allow LCT to develop a further portfolio opportunity, without losing focus on moving our two lead products to the clinic," Mr Collinson said.

Under the agreement, LCT has the option to acquire an exclusive license to commercialise results of the collaboration. Grants are being targeted to assist in funding the program.

"Encapsulated cells may provide a long-term neuroprotection therapy to neurons of the inner ear to treat cochlear deficits," said Associate Professor Rob Shepherd, Acting Director, The Bionic Ear Institute.

"The Bionic Ear Institute has been working diligently on novel methods for rescuing auditory neurons and is very excited to combine this knowledge with LCT's encapsulation platform. The research will provide a significant insight into improving hearing impairment and possibly rehabilitating the auditory nerve," said Associate Professor Shepherd.

The World Health Organisation estimates 250 million people currently suffer from a disabling hearing impairment. The work of this collaboration will target the extensive markets for both existing and potential cochlear implant users.

LCT has demonstrated the potential of its technology to treat diseases caused by a loss of cell function. The company is currently preparing regulatory applications for phase 1 clinical trials for its Huntington's disease and diabetes portfolio products, NeurotrophinCell and DiabeCell.

Cochlear deficit can result from hereditary disease, acoustic trauma, oxotoxic drugs, infections and a variety of factors, which lead to the degeneration of the sensory neurons.

Many patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) receive the benefit via a cochlear implant (Bionic Ear).

About Living Cell Technologies
www.lctglobal.com

Living Cell Technologies Ltd (ASX: LCT) develop live cell therapy products to treat life threatening human diseases. The ASX listed, vertically integrated company operates globally through offices in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

LCT focuses on developing treatments where healthy living cells are injected into patients to replace or repair damaged tissue, without requiring the use of toxic drugs to prevent rejection. The company's product portfolio focuses on treatments for people with Huntington's disease, insulin-dependent diabetes and haemophilia.

About Bionic Ear Institute
www.bionicear.org

The Bionic Ear Institute is a not-for-profit biomedical research organisation based in Australia. The Institute was established to undertake vital research to assist in the ongoing development of a device that would allow deaf people to hear.

The Australian Bionic Ear was pioneered by Professor Graeme Clark and his team at The University of Melbourne. Rod Saunders in 1978 was the first person to receive the implant at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

Today its researchers are world leaders in innovative biomedical research. The work of The Bionic Ear Institute contributes to improved hearing for more than 70,000 severely and profoundly deaf children and adults world wide.

In addition to the research in hearing, research is being extended into areas such as spinal cord repair, infection control for implantable devices and early treatment of epileptic seizures.

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