Decibel Therapeutics, Inc.
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS ACROSS THE ROUND WINDOW MEMBRANE

Abstract:

The invention provides compositions and methods containing alpha-helical polypeptides as permeation enhancers for effectuating the passage of therapeutic agents into the inner ear by passage through the round window membrane. Examples of permeation-enhancing peptides useful in conjunction with the compositions and methods described herein are facially amphipathic, positively charged peptides. The permeation-enhancing peptides of the disclosure may be used to effectuate the entry of a variety of therapeutic agents into the inner ear, such as proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, viral vectors, and nanoparticles, among others. Upon accessing the inner ear, the therapeutic agents may migrate to a particular site at which they may exert their biological effect. Exemplary conditions that may be treated/or prevented using the pharmaceutical compositions described herein are, without limitation, otic diseases, such as ceruminosis, ear pruritus, otitis externa, otalgia, tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction, ear fullness, hearing loss, Meniere's disease, auditory neuropathy, and sensorineural hearing loss, among others.