Decibel Therapeutics Reports on Continued Progress of Lead Gene Therapy Product Candidate DB-OTO and Presents Promising Preclinical Data Supporting Importance of Cell-Selective Transgene Expression Across Gene Therapy Pipeline

Rhea-AI Summary

Decibel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: DBTX) presented new preclinical data at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology Annual MidWinter Meeting, focusing on its lead gene therapy candidate, DB-OTO. This therapy aims to restore hearing in individuals with congenital hearing loss due to otoferlin gene mutations. The findings highlighted the dose-response relationship and functional recovery observed in animal models, supporting its therapeutic potential. Additionally, Decibel shared insights from its other preclinical programs targeting GJB2 and stereocilin, showcasing advancements in gene therapy technology.

Positive

• Successful demonstration of DB-OTO's ability to restore hearing through functional otoferlin protein in preclinical models.
• Data indicates stable expression of otoferlin post-administration, correlating with functional recovery.
• Presentation of new proprietary cell-selective promoters for enhanced gene therapy effectiveness.

Negative

• None.

- Podium presentation at Association for Research in Otolaryngology Annual MidWinter Meeting highlighting DB-OTO dose-ranging studies with expression analysis, functional recovery and tolerability data -

- Podium presentation and posters with new preclinical data supporting selective expression of GJB2 and STRC -

BOSTON, Feb. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Decibel Therapeutics (Nasdaq: DBTX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing transformative treatments to restore and improve hearing and balance, announced the presentation of preclinical data on its lead gene therapy product candidate, DB-OTO, as well as preclinical data highlighting the identification of proprietary, cell-selective promoters for three of its gene therapy pipeline programs at this year’s virtual 45^th Annual MidWinter Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO).

Decibel presented preclinical data supporting the Company’s lead gene therapy product candidate, DB-OTO, a dual-vector adeno-associated investigational product candidate designed to restore hearing to individuals with profound, congenital hearing loss caused by mutations of the otoferlin gene. DB-OTO uses a proprietary, cell-selective promoter to control otoferlin transgene expression in hair cells, with the goal of enabling the ear to transmit sound to the brain and provide hearing. In previous preclinical studies, administration of DB-OTO resulted in restoration of functional otoferlin protein in mice and dose scaling and distribution in non-human primates (NHPs). New data presented at ARO further characterized expression of otoferlin over time following DB-OTO administration in mice and NHPs, demonstrating that otoferlin expression increased over the first several weeks before plateauing, consistent with the expression previously reported in mice that achieved stable functional recovery. Decibel also shared functional recovery and tolerability data associated with DB-OTO dosing over a 10-fold dose range in mice.

Decibel also presented new data at ARO on its preclinical AAV.103 program to treat GJB2-related hearing loss through selective expression of GJB2 in cells that normally express GJB2 and on its preclinical AAV.104 program to treat stereocilin-related hearing loss through selective expression of stereocilin in outer hair cells. These data demonstrated how the Company deploys its platform to develop novel, proprietary, cell-selective promoters and the potential advantages that cell-selective expression may confer to its gene therapy pipeline programs. Decibel is developing DB-OTO, AAV.103 and AAV.104 in collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Decibel retains global commercial rights in the three programs.

“The work we presented at ARO this week highlights our approach for developing precision gene therapy candidates and the potential importance of selective transgene expression for the inner ear. Our programs targeting otoferlin, GJB2 and stereocilin each utilize this approach,” said John Lee, Chief Development Officer at Decibel. “The preclinical data we shared demonstrating identification of a promoter/enhancer combination that can mediate hearing recovery in a GJB2-deficient mouse model represents exciting progress towards the development of a gene therapy to restore hearing to individuals with GJB2-related hearing loss.”

About Decibel Therapeutics
Decibel Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing transformative treatments to restore and improve hearing and balance, one of the largest areas of unmet need in medicine. Decibel has built a proprietary platform that integrates single-cell genomics and bioinformatic analyses, precision gene therapy technologies and expertise in inner ear biology. Decibel is leveraging its platform to advance gene therapies designed to selectively replace genes for the treatment of congenital, monogenic hearing loss and to regenerate inner ear hair cells for the treatment of acquired hearing and balance disorders. Decibel’s pipeline, including its lead gene therapy product candidate, DB-OTO, to treat congenital, monogenic hearing loss, is designed to deliver on our vision of creating a world of connection for people with hearing and balance disorders. For more information about Decibel Therapeutics, please visit www.decibeltx.com or follow us on Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding Decibel’s strategy, future operations, prospects, plans, objectives of management, the therapeutic potential for Decibel’s product candidates and preclinical programs and the expected timeline for submitting investigational new drug applications and achieving other planned milestones, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “should,” or “would,” or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Decibel may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the identification and development of product candidates, including the conduct of research activities and the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials, the timing of and Decibel’s ability to submit and obtain approval to initiate clinical development of its product candidates, whether results from preclinical studies will be predictive of the results of later preclinical studies and clinical trials, whether Decibel’s cash resources are sufficient to fund its foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements, uncertainties related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Decibel’s business and operations, as well as the risks and uncertainties identified in Decibel’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those risks detailed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Decibel’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021 and in other filings Decibel may make with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Decibel’s views as of the date of this press release. Decibel anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while Decibel may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Decibel’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Investor Contact:
Julie Seidel
Stern IR, Inc.
212-362-1200
Julie.seidel@sternir.com

Media Contact:
Chris Railey
Ten Bridge Communications
617-834-0936
chris@tenbridgecommunications.com

FAQ

What are the implications of DB-OTO's preclinical data presented by Decibel Therapeutics?

The data suggests DB-OTO may effectively restore hearing in patients with congenital hearing loss due to otoferlin gene mutations, indicating potential for clinical application.

What is Decibel Therapeutics' strategy regarding gene therapy?

Decibel focuses on developing targeted gene therapies leveraging cell-selective expression to enhance treatment efficacy for various hearing loss conditions.

When was the new data for DB-OTO presented?

The new preclinical data for DB-OTO was presented on February 9, 2022, at the Annual MidWinter Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology.

What are the next steps for Decibel Therapeutics following these presentations?

Decibel plans to further develop DB-OTO and its other gene therapy programs, potentially moving towards clinical trials based on preclinical successes.

What is the significance of the GJB2 and stereocilin programs mentioned in the press release?

These programs aim to address specific types of hearing loss through targeted gene therapy, showcasing Decibel’s commitment to precision medicine in audiology.