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Updated: May 24, 2026

A Comparative Study of Drug Delivery Methods Targeted to the Mouse Inner Ear: Bullostomy Versus Transtympanic Injection
Published on: March 8, 2017
Microsystems technologies for drug delivery to the inner ear
Erin E Leary Pararas1, David A Borkholder, Jeffrey T Borenstein
1Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, 555 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Advancements in inner ear drug delivery systems are crucial for treating hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. New technologies offer targeted, sustained delivery to repair damaged hearing structures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Inner ear drug delivery is challenging due to delicate structures and inaccessibility.
- Rising prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders necessitates new therapeutic strategies.
- Current treatments are limited, often relying on hearing augmentation devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging technologies for local drug delivery to the inner ear.
- To analyze challenges and opportunities for clinical translation of inner ear drug delivery systems.
- To explore the potential of these technologies for treating auditory and vestibular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of micropump-based devices for inner ear drug delivery.
- Analysis of reciprocating systems for precise drug administration.
- Evaluation of cochlear prosthesis-mediated drug delivery approaches.
Main Results:
- Several advanced drug delivery systems are under development for the inner ear.
- Micropumps, reciprocating systems, and prosthesis-mediated delivery show promise for targeted and sustained drug release.
- These technologies aim to enable time-sequenced, multi-compound delivery over extended durations.
Conclusions:
- Emerging inner ear drug delivery technologies hold significant potential for repairing and regenerating hearing.
- These innovations could benefit millions with limited treatment options for hearing impairment.
- Similar delivery challenges and solutions may apply to other areas, such as central nervous system drug delivery.
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06:55A Surgical Procedure for the Administration of Drugs to the Inner Ear in a Non-Human Primate Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Published on: February 27, 2018
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