Zheng-Yi Chen

Stories

Gene therapy restores hearing in deaf patients

As of October 2026: Led the largest hearing gene therapy trial to date

A single injection into the inner ear can now restore hearing in children born deaf. In April 2026 the FDA approved Otarmeni, the first gene therapy for inherited hearing loss, after about 80% of 24 trial participants gained measurable hearing and 42% could pick up whispers.

Updated Oct 3