Meniere’s Disease Sufferers Wanted for Clinical Study Trials

Monmouth County Dr. Mary Mitskavich with Coastal Ear Nose and Throat in Neptune is conducting clinical study trials of a potentially more effective treatment delivery system for people suffering from Meniere's Disease and other inner ear disorders, such as Vertigo. 

About 600,000 people in the United States are affected by Meniere's Disease, which creates a spinning sensation similar to stepping off a merry-go-round and creates nausea, ringing in the ear and hearing loss.

"It's not common, but it's quite debilitating in those that have it," said Dr. Mitskavich. As a result, people with Meniere's Disease are often unable to work, drive, interact with family or enjoy life. No FDA-approved treatments are currently available.

Dr. Mitskavich and her team are conducting a clinical research study of an injected steroid already used to treat the disease that could provide a more effective delivery of the drug. "This is the first study of this gel substance where it will stay longer in the middle ear and be absorbed better," she said, adding patients wouldn't taste the medicine they way they do with the current treatment system. "This is basically a new delivery system which hopes to be much more effective than the old delivery system."

Patients interested in enrolling for the clinical research study evaluating an investigational drug for Meniere's Disease called OTO-104 can visit www.otonomyresearch.com to see if they qualify or call (866)331-5157 for information. Additional information is available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/menieresDisease.