Delix Therapeutics Gets U.S. Defense Grant for Hearing Loss Neuroplastogen

Delix Therapeutics, a neuroscience company at the clinical stage, has secured an $825,000 grant from the United States Department of Defense (DOD) to advance a novel neuroplastogen aimed at treating hearing loss. This neuroplastogen, an innovative and first-of-its-kind compound, has shown promise in repairing cochlear synaptopathy—a condition characterized by the loss of synapses that play a crucial role in hearing.

Hidden hearing loss (HHL) results from the loss of connections between hair cells and auditory nerve fibers, leading to impaired signal transmission from the inner ear to the central nervous system (CNS). Delix’s neuroplastogen has demonstrated potential in safely and effectively repairing these cochlear neuronal synapses, offering hope for reversing auditory deficits and preventing further hair cell loss and permanent hearing impairment.

Dr. Kurt Rasmussen, Delix’s Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted the advancements in understanding the root causes of hearing loss, noting that restoring damaged synaptic connections within inner hair cells could potentially reverse hearing loss. He emphasized the lack of FDA-approved therapies for adult hearing restoration and expressed optimism about the new neuroplastogen’s potential, supported by the DOD funding.

The grant will facilitate the evaluation of optimal dosing for this neuroplastogen in various hearing loss models, both temporary and permanent. It will also help investigate the role of synapses in recovering hearing function post-damage. Mark Rus, CEO of Delix, pointed out the prevalence of hearing loss among over 48 million Americans, including active duty and retired military personnel. He underscored the significant impact of hearing loss on quality of life and its association with increased cognitive decline and neurodegeneration risk. Rus expressed gratitude for the DOD's support as Delix works to develop non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogens to treat a range of neurological disorders, including hearing loss, by leveraging the body’s innate repair mechanisms at the synaptic level.

Delix is also advancing a collection of innovative compounds into scalable, orally bioavailable therapies. The company recently shared data from its ongoing Phase 1 trial on their lead candidate, DLX-001, at notable scientific meetings. Delix’s compounds have shown the capability to promote fast-acting and long-lasting neural repair of synapses related to neuropsychological and neurodegenerative conditions, without the challenges associated with earlier-generation neural plasticity-promoting compounds like LSD, ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA.

Neuroplastogens represent a new category of potentially transformative treatments for psychiatric and neurological conditions. These compounds induce rapid and sustained neuroplasticity in targeted neural circuits, resulting in quick therapeutic effects. Inspired by compounds beneficial across various therapeutic areas, including mood, anxiety, cognitive, and neurodegenerative disorders, Delix’s neuroplastogens aim to deliver faster, stronger, and more effective future therapies.

Delix Therapeutics is dedicated to developing neuroplasticity-promoting therapeutics to address challenging neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Their compounds, easily manufactured as small molecules, induce rapid structural and functional neural changes in specific brain areas. Through its Neuroplastogen Platform, Delix is pioneering a new class of fast-acting outpatient pharmacotherapies. The company is moving swiftly through preclinical and clinical development to bring FDA-approved, take-home medications to patients, addressing unmet needs and enhancing psychiatric treatment paradigms for both patients and providers.

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