Until possibly now...
AM-101 made by Auris Medical is an experimental drug containing esketamine hydrochloride embedded within a hyaluronic acid gel formulation. It works by blocking the NMDA receptors of the cochlear inner hair cell.
Normally, when there is trauma sustained by the cochlea whether it be loud noise or viral infection, excess amount of a neurotransmitter called glutamate gets release. The problem is that too much glutamate also triggers hearing nerve death due to over-excitation via the NMDA receptor. When these hearing nerves die, it leaves the brain cells responsible for hearing in a permanently switch-on state leading to tinnitus, even if there's no sound present.
AM-101 is hypothesized to block the NMDA receptor from being over-stimulated by the glutamate neurotransmitter thereby preventing hearing nerve death.
But, does it work?
According to one small prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 248 patients, it DOES work to a significant degree. 42% reported their tinnitus was half as quiet as before compared with 14% in the placebo group. After 90 days, 57% of those taking the active gel said their tinnitus was 'much improved' or 'very much improved'.
Of course, the trick is to administer the drug before nerve death has set in after which it would be too late. In the study, only patients with onset of ringing within 3 months were eligible to participate.
Patient also need to realize that the drug is administered by injection through the eardrum and into the middle ear space. This injection technique is commonly used in the treatment of sudden nerve hearing loss where steroids are injected. Watch video of this injection method below.
Unfortunately, AM-101 is not available except under research protocols currently and is undergoing FDA clinical trials. The preliminary results are very promising however.
Reference:
Efficacy and Safety of AM-101 in the Treatment of Acute Inner Ear Tinnitus—A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study. Otology & Neurotology: April 2014 - Volume 35 - Issue 4 - p 589-597
Of course, the trick is to administer the drug before nerve death has set in after which it would be too late. In the study, only patients with onset of ringing within 3 months were eligible to participate.
Patient also need to realize that the drug is administered by injection through the eardrum and into the middle ear space. This injection technique is commonly used in the treatment of sudden nerve hearing loss where steroids are injected. Watch video of this injection method below.
Unfortunately, AM-101 is not available except under research protocols currently and is undergoing FDA clinical trials. The preliminary results are very promising however.
Reference:
Efficacy and Safety of AM-101 in the Treatment of Acute Inner Ear Tinnitus—A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study. Otology & Neurotology: April 2014 - Volume 35 - Issue 4 - p 589-597
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