US FDA approves Regeneron’s gene therapy, Otarmeni for genetic hearing loss
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' gene therapy, Otarmeni (lunsotogene parvec-cwha), marking a significant advancement in treating genetic hearing loss. This is the first gene therapy approved under the FDA Commissioner's National Priority Voucher program and is...
Bullish Signals
- FDA granted accelerated approval for Regeneron's Otarmeni gene therapy.
- Otarmeni is first-in-class in vivo therapy restoring natural hearing.
- CHORD trial: 80% achieved hearing improvements within 24 weeks.
- All responders maintained gains through 48 weeks; 42% achieved normal hearing.
- Regeneron offers Otarmeni free in the US for accessibility.
- Treatment is safe for young infants via cochlear implant-like surgery.
- Otarmeni targets ultra-rare OTOF loss affecting 50 newborns yearly.
Bearish Signals
- Clinical approval depends on confirmatory CHORD trial showing clinical benefit.
- Not recommended if imaging shows infeasible access to inner ear.
- Accelerated approval based on week 24 data; long-term durability unconfirmed.
- Only 42% of participants reached normal hearing at 48 weeks.
- Common adverse reactions include otitis, vomiting, dizziness, and nystagmus.
- Requires specialized surgeon experience limiting immediate accessibility to few centers.
- Limited to patients with preserved outer hair cell function.