Small molecule ion channel modulator to treat acute episodes of peripheral vertigo

Approximately 13 million adults in the US experience peripheral vertigo, constituting 80% of all vertigo cases. Current symptom management medications, notably pharmaceutical vestibular suppressants, are ineffective and act as central nervous system depressants, leading to negative side effects that heavily impact patient quality of life. This consequently leads to a significant societal and economic burden, including $48.1 billion in annual direct healthcare costs. Our innovation, a small molecule pharmaceutical, targets a unique voltage-gated ion channel within the inner ear for symptomatic relief of peripheral vertigo attacks, thereby restoring normal function, improving activities of daily living, and addressing the unmet need for improved drug efficacy with reduced side effects.