Developing RNA medicines to treat hearing loss by protecting inner-ear cells
Hearing loss can involve damage to the cells and neural connections that transmit sound. Cochlear implants help many patients but outcomes vary, creating a need for treatments that improve the underlying condition of the inner ear alongside existing hearing technologies.
CamGene is developing medicines intended to protect and regenerate key inner-ear cells. Its initial approach is designed for use alongside cochlear implantation, with the longer-term aim of extending treatment to broader forms of hearing loss.
What stands out about CamGene Therapeutics
CamGene closed an oversubscribed seed round in October 2025 led by UKI2S, with Eos Advisory and Cambridge Enterprise Ventures.
CamGene was awarded £196,194 by Innovate UK for Human Representative In Vitro Models for Ear Therapeutics, supporting non-animal ear models.
Co-founder Manohar Bance led the separate CHORD gene-therapy trial; co-founder Matthew Smith is a consultant ear surgeon at Addenbrooke’s.
Co-founder Arpan Desai established and led NanoVation Therapeutics’ UK operation, building its team and RNA-delivery project portfolio.
Co-founder Paul McKay previously co-founded VaxEquity and led its RNA-development work on vaccines and therapeutics.
Co-founder Paul McKay spent four years at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researching vaccine immune responses.
CamGene is a University of Cambridge spinout developing RNA-based therapies for hearing loss.
CamGene was incubated at Hauxton House by o2h, with laboratory space, scientific input and board-level mentorship.
CamGene won HCR Law’s Impact55 competition in March 2026, receiving £25,000 in legal support.
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