From 22-26 February, 2025, the 48th Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO), one of the most influential academic conferences in the field of otolaryngology was held in Orlando, USA. Top experts and scholars from around the globe gathered to discuss the latest research breakthroughs and future trends in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine.

This year, China’s innovative contributions stood out prominently. Professor Lu Ling, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, and Professor Xu Lei, Vice President and Chief Expert of the Auditory Implant Department at Shandong Second People’s Hospital (Shandong Otolaryngology Hospital), both key participants in the OTOV-101 IIT clinical trial in China, attended the conference. They were joined by Professor Duan Maoli from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who is also part of the international academic collaboration at the Institute of Life and Health Advanced Research of Southeast University

From left to right: Professor Xu Lei, Professor Lu Ling, and Professor Duan Maoli.

Professor Lu Ling delivered a keynote speech titled "OTOV101 Gene Therapy for Autosomal Recessive Deafness 9: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-Arm, Investigator-Initiated Intervention Study." She shared detailed findings on the hearing recovery of patients with congenital DFNB9 deafness after OTOV101 treatment. The remarkable recovery speed and outcomes impressed the audience, drawing widespread praise.

Professor Lu Ling presenting at the conference

The three professors engaging with experts and scholars

Following the presentation, several internationally renowned experts engaged in lively discussions with Professor Lu Ling, highly commending her research. Endpoints News, a leading media outlet in the biopharmaceutical industry, reached out to Suzhou Otovia Therapeutics Co., LTD for further details on the gene therapy project and promptly published a report

（report Link：https://endpts.com/regeneron-two-chinese-biotechs-tout-promise-of-their-hearing-loss-gene-therapies/）

In recent years, gene therapy for deafness has seen rapid advancements, with numerous companies and research institutions achieving exciting progress. The annual ARO meeting, one of the most influential gatherings in otolaryngology, provides a platform for experts to share the latest research, discuss cutting-edge technologies, and foster international collaborations. With the momentum from ARO, experts and scholars worldwide will continue to work together to tackle the challenges of ear diseases, bringing hope to patients globally.

The successful presentation at this year’s conference has deepened the scientific and industry communities’ recognition ofOtovia Therapeutics’ research capabilities and laid a solid foundation for its future development. The company has already established partnerships with several leading hospitals in China, and subsequent clinical trials will expand into multi-center studies to accelerate progress across all pipelines, including OTOF gene therapy for deafness.

We look forward to Suzhou Otovia Therapeutics Co., LTD delivering more groundbreaking research in the future, bringing a vibrant and audible world to those with hearing loss!

About Otovia Therapeutics

In 2022, Fosun Pharma partnered with Professor Chai Renjie of Southeast University,through its Fosun Health Capital New Drug Fund, to co-found Suzhou Otovia Therapeutics Co., LTD (Otovia Therapeutics). Since its inception, the company has focused on otology, auditory nerve, and neurodegenerative diseases, with gene therapy for deafness (hearing loss) as its strategic breakthrough. Otovia Therapeutics aims to expand into regenerative medicine and drug-device combinations, striving to become a global leader in this emerging field. The company has made significant strides in the regeneration, protection, and regulation of inner ear hair cells and auditory neurons, driving clinical translation and accumulating valuable insights from both basic research and real-world applications. Leveraging its dual AAV platform, Otovia Therapeutics has developed a robust portfolio of patents covering novel AAV serotypes, inner ear-specific regulatory elements, and dual-vector delivery systems, establishing a strong technical and commercial foundation.

About OTOV101

In June 2023,Suzhou Otovia Therapeutics Co., LTD initiated a multi-center IIT clinical trial for OTOV101. To date, over 10 patients have been successfully treated, with the longest follow-up exceeding 1.5 years. Preclinical and clinical data were published in two consecutive papers in the prestigious journal Advanced Science in November 2023 and January 2024. This breakthrough has been featured by CCTV Discovery Channel and People’s Daily Overseas Edition, and garnered significant attention at the ARO 2024 Annual Meeting and the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2024. These achievements markSuzhou Otovia Therapeutics Co., LTD’s entry into the global forefront of otology gene therapy, steering the industry toward a new era of innovation.