# To restore hearing, Otarmeni delivers the OTOF gene into the inner ear through a surgical injection, using adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapy.

*biotech · news · 2026-05-06 · ThePrint*

## Key points

- Otarmeni is the world's first approved gene therapy drug for hearing loss using double-AAV technology.
- Regeneron plans to offer Otarmeni free of cost in the US, marking a unique strategy.
- India lacks a nationwide newborn hearing screening program, with under 20% coverage versus 85-97% in Europe and the US.
- CMC Vellore conducted India's first successful human gene therapy trial for haemophilia A in 2024 with zero bleeding events.
- India's first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease, BIRSA-101, was launched in 2025 but awaits clinical trials.

**Companies:** Regeneron, Eli Lilly, Sensorion
**Countries:** India, United States

[Read the full story on ThePrint](https://theprint.in/science/us-first-gene-therapy-drug-hearing-loss-india/2923710/)

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