In this episode of Beyond Biotech, host Jim Cornell speaks with Simon Chandler, CEO of Rinri Therapeutics, about innovative approaches to tackling hearing loss through cell therapy. Chandler explains the global scale of the problem — by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are expected to experience some degree of hearing loss, yet there are no approved disease-modifying treatments.

Key Points:

 This episode sheds light on how cell therapy could revolutionize hearing restoration, moving beyond hearing aids and implants. Simon Chandler emphasizes that early intervention is key and that biological regeneration offers hope for millions living with untreated hearing loss.

• The global burden: Hearing loss affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide, impacting communication, employment, and mental health, and is linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
• Types of hearing loss: Chandler outlines conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss, noting that 90% of cases are sensorineural, caused by damage to inner ear sensory cells.
• Cell therapy innovation: Rinri Therapeutics is developing progenitor cell therapies that can replace damaged auditory neurons, potentially restoring hearing naturally rather than relying on electronic aids.
• Clinical translation: The company plans to begin first-in-human trials in 2025, using surgical methods adapted from cochlear implant procedures to safely deliver the cells.
• Future vision: Rinri aims to create scalable, accessible one-time treatments for different forms of hearing loss, with the long-term goal of democratizing regenerative hearing therapies.