From Research to Clinical Application

Today’s technology is not enough for millions of hard of hearing and deaf people worldwide – especially when it comes to speech in everyday life or the sound of music. Optogenetic cochlear implants (oCI) could change this: they enable more precise stimulation of the auditory nerve using light instead of electricity. A real quantum leap in hearing restoration – with the aim of making hearing a natural experience again.

Retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases rob millions of people of their sight. New optogenetic therapies offer hope: using light-sensitive proteins and special glasses, remaining retinal cells could react to light again – and thus partially restore vision. The EKFZ is driving this vision forward with innovative active ingredients and smart technology.

Gastroparesis affects the lives of millions – there is no effective therapy. Optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells could enable targeted muscle activation regardless of the state of the nerves. The EKFZ is developing pioneering light receptors that could get the stomach moving again and thus open up a new treatment option.

Millions of people are losing their sight or the functionality of their limbs. The EKFZ is developing optogenetic brain-computer interfaces (oBCIs) that use light pulses to improve vision and make hand prostheses precisely controllable. This innovative approach could offer new possibilities for neurorehabilitation.