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.