Recent preclinical and clinical advances in gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss

Abstract

Hereditary hearing loss is a genetically heterogeneous condition that affects millions of people worldwide and has limited curative treatment options. Recent advancements in gene therapy have opened promising avenues for correcting the underlying genetic defects in the inner ear. This review summarizes the key developments in vector platforms, delivery strategies, target genes, preclinical models, and clinical trials relevant to both gene supplementation and gene editing approaches, as well as future directions. Adeno-associated virus vectors have emerged as the leading platform for inner ear gene transfer, owing to their safety and efficacy. Clinical programs, such as those targeting OTOF variants, are currently underway and are supported by robust preclinical data. Additionally, genome editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated nonhomologous end joining, base editing, and prime editing, offer variant-specific therapeutic potential. Despite these advances, challenges remain in expanding the therapeutic window, ensuring long-term safety, and establishing ethical and regulatory frameworks for their use.