ACOU082

ACOU082 is a proprietary small molecule drug candidate developed by Acousia Therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of age-related sensorineural hearing loss (presbycusis). It acts as an activator (agonist) of the Kv7.4 (KCNQ4) voltage-gated potassium channel, which is strongly expressed in the sensory outer hair cells of the cochlea. By stimulating these channels, ACOU082 aims to enhance natural hearing and preserve hearing capacity against age-related decline. Preclinical studies have shown that systemic administration of ACOU082 can significantly improve hearing sensitivity and reduce progression of age-related hearing loss in animal models. The drug is currently in preclinical development and has not yet been approved for any indication[1][2][3][4][5].