MARYLAND INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIPS

MIPS Project Detail:

Otomagnetics

Magnetic Therapy Injection to Treat Hearing Loss

Project #

5021.22

 | 

Round 

52

 | 

Aug 2013

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Company

Otomagnetics

Bethesda

Montgomery

 County
, Maryland
  |  
Founded: 

2012

  |  

Company Description: 

Otomagnetics, a University of Maryland College Park spin-out, is developing a noninvasive method to effectively deliver drugs and other therapeutic payloads to inner and middle ear compartments, to the eye, and into the skin.

The inner ear is behind the blood-labyrinth barrier. Vessels that supply blood to the inner ear have walls that are impermeable to most drug molecules, and thus it is a challenge to deliver therapy to treat inner ear diseases. In animal models, Otomagnetics’ proprietary magnetic injection system has demonstrated drug delivery to the inner ear. It has also shown improved dosing and therapeutic effect in preclinical models of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss, and prevented hearing loss due to chemotherapy regimens.

In animal models, Otomagnetics’ technology has further shown drug delivery to the middle ear, without the need to puncture the ear drum. Magnetic delivery to the middle ear is being considered as a potential non-invasive treatment option for otitis media (middle ear infections). Magnetic forces have also delivered therapy into the eye, without needles. Otomagnetics products are experimental, and not approved by the FDA for human use.

MIPS Project

Round 

52

 - 

Aug 2013

Magnetic Therapy Injection to Treat Hearing Loss

Project #

5021.22

 | 

MIPS Round 

52

 | 

Starting Date: 

Aug 2013

MIPS Project Challenge:
The broad goal of this two-phase MIPS project was to further develop Otomagnetics’ technology to move it towards regulatory approval.

Project Scope:
During Phase 1 of this MIPS project, researchers generated preclinical data showing the efficacy of Otomagnetics’ technology in an established animal model. During Phase 2 of the project, researchers further increased the efficiency of drug delivery into the inner and middle ear and quantified the delivered drug versus drug/particle clearance over time in animal experiments.

MIPS was one of the first to invest in our technology, and enabled us to generate the scientific data that led to substantial subsequent funding, and associated new hires in the State of Maryland.
-
Benjamin Shapiro, President and Co-Founder

Results: 

Principal Investigator:

Robert

 

Dooling

Associate V.P. for Research

Project Manager: 

David

 

Beylin

Co-founder, Commercialization Officer

Technologies:

Medical Instrumentation / Equipment