SIU inventor's medicine to protect hearing nears final research phase

The 2012 SIU Inventor of the Year Dr. Kathleen Campbell in the news!
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/11/prweb11265064.htm

According to the State Journal Register, thousands of American soldiers and millions of civilians could avoid Noise Induced Hearing Loss if D-met trial is a success.

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(PRWEB UK) 4 November 2013

The next stage of research, scheduled to begin in November at a U.S. Army base, hopes to prove the benefits of a protective medicine, invented by a scientist at Springfield’s Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Dr Campbell has created an orange-flavored liquid, which contains a concentrated substance called D-methionine. This component of protein is commonly found in dairy products. In various studies, D-met has been shown to slow the development of “free radicals,” which can lead to long-term hearing loss.

“I want to see this over the finish line,” said Kathleen Campbell, an Southern Illinois University faculty member for 25 years. Ms Campbell is the school’s first researcher to develop a product that has reached the highest level of testing, a Phase 3 trial conducted before Food and Drug Administration approval.

The Phase 3 trial, scheduled for the next two years, will consist of four daily tablespoons of D-met syrup being taken by drill-sergeant instructor, during two weeks of rigorous training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

The U.S. Army are particularly interested in her research, and they have become heavily involved in the clinical trial.Noise induced hearing loss is the most common reason troops cannot be redeployed. Agriculture and Construction are two of the many industries who would benefit substantially from a drug that could reduce, or even cure, noise induced hearing loss. (2)

“They fire exactly 500 rounds of M16 weapon fire in 11 days,” Campbell said. “It’s a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. At the end of the trial, we should have less permanent hearing loss in those that are on D-met rather than the placebo.”

A total of 600 soldiers will be involved with the study, funded by the $2.5 million grant Campbell received from the U.S. Department of Defense.

Thomas Fairclough, Asons Executive, Stated that:

“Cambell’s developments could finally provide a solution for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. Whether it is as a result of exposure to gunfire, or from working in a loud working environment, these developments made by the Southern Illinois University could be life changing for the hundreds of thousands of people who suffer from Noise Induced Hearing Loss, or Industrial Deafness.”

If a private company is willing to provide financial support to Campbell, assisting her in licensing D-met patents and by funding the final Phase 3 trial, the medicine could be on the market in as soon as five years, pending FDA approval.

Studies so far indicate that the medicine could be used prior to, during, and up to three days after noise exposure, and still help cells in the inner ear recover, preventing Noise-induced hearing loss.

If D-met makes it to market, Kathleen Campbell’s invention will be the first medicine proven to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, the most-common cause of hearing loss worldwide. (1)

However, Dr Campbell says the treatment should not be considered a substitute for hearing protection, like earmuffs or earplugs. (2)

Asons Solicitors suggest, that if someone would like to learn more about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, or if they would like to better understand the causes of Industrial Deafness, that information is available athttp://www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133.

SIU inventor’s medicine to protect hearing nears final research phase - http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x882691286/Final-research-phase-for-SIU-inventor#ixzz2iMsE5qzs – The State Journal Regiter October 2013
Springfield Researcher Promotes Treatment For Hearing Loss - http://wuis.org/post/springfield-researcher-promotes-treatment-hearing-loss - WUIS October 2013

About Asons Solicitors:

Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.