Sound Pharmaceuticals Validates Oral Compound to Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

SEATTLE, WA September 17th, 2003

Sound Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SPI) announced today it has made significant pre-clinical progress on its drug development platform for the prevention of noise induced hearing loss. Results of their studies will be published later this year in the peer-reviewed journal “Laryngoscope”.

"The prevention of occupational noise induced hearing loss is the first step to improve hearing in the millions of individuals at high risk of acquiring permanent and disabling hearing loss. We are very excited to announce the advancement of SPI1005 as a pre-IND candidate," stated Eric Lynch, PhD, Vice President and Director of Research. "Our goal is to file an Investigational New Drug application with the FDA for initiation of clinical studies on the prevention of hearing loss in high risk environments such as the military."

SPI1005 is a potent small molecule mimic of the enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx). GPx is a key enzyme in the neutralization of reactive oxygen species formed in the cochlea during and after loud noise exposure. GPx deficient mice exhibit increased susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss. By mimicking the activity of GPx with orally delivered SPI1005, researchers at SPI have been able to protect the hearing of animals exposed to intense levels of sound, both physiologically and anatomically.

SPI1005 shows no obvious toxic side effects at four times the effective dose. Recently studies by an independent academic group in Japan have validated the active pharmaceutical ingredient in SPI1005 using another animal model of noise induced hearing loss. “The fact that two groups have come to similar conclusions with the same molecule in the same dose range, is very exciting to our scientists and further validates this molecule as a candidate for the prevention of noise induced hearing loss” said Lynch.

Future clinical studies will also assess the ability of SPI1005 to reduce the onset and severity of tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, of persons exposed to loud noise. Ultimately, this compound could be used to treat age related hearing loss or presbyacusis, a condition associated with chronic noise exposure.

According to the NIH, CDC and NIOSH, hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder and the most common occupational disease. Hearing loss is found in all age groups and can seriously compromises the quality of life or job performance of those affected.

Sound Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a drug development company focused on treating hearing loss. To date, Sound Pharmaceuticals’ drug discovery program has identified targets for the prevention of hearing loss and for the improvement of hearing in individuals with hearing loss. For more information please visit http://www.soundpharmaceuticals.com

CONTACT: Dr. Jonathan Kil, President & CEO, Sound Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 4010 Stone Way N Suite 120, Seattle WA 98103, jkil@soundpharmaceuticals.com, 206-634-2559