Otomagnetics - a spin-out from Universityof Maryland - has been developing a non-invasive âmagnetic injectionâ technology can deliver medication to targets in the body that are unreachable or currently require surgery to reach. The product is a magnet device + drug-loaded nanoparticles. The firm's first application is the development a non-invasive method to effectively deliver drugs and other therapeutic payloads to the inner and middle ear and to the eye. The inner ear is behind the blood-labyrinth barrier â vessels that supply blood to the inner ear have walls that are impermeable to most drug molecules, and thus it is a challenge to deliver therapy to treat inner ear diseases. In animal models, Otomagneticsâ proprietary magnetic injection system has demonstrated drug delivery to the inner ear. The firm's sue so far has also shown improved dosing and therapeutic effect in preclinical models of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss, and prevented hearing loss due to chemotherapy regimens. In animal models, Otomagneticsâ technology has further shown drug delivery to the middle ear, without the need to puncture the ear drum. Magnetic delivery to the middle ear is being considered as a potential non-invasive treatment option for otitis media (middle ear infe
