# Effect of Multifunctional Redox Modulator (MFRM) HK-2 on Acoustic Blast Overpressure and Cognitive Function

> **NIH NIH R43** · THERAPEUTIC VISION, INC. · 2022 · $149,949

## Abstract

Acoustic blasts exposure can induce hearing loss and traumatic brain injury (TBI), changes linked to memory
dysfunction, cognitive decline, suppression neurogenesis and formation neurotoxic Aβ:Zn plaques in the
hippocampus. The blast-induced changes in the inner ear and hippocampus are believed to result from oxidative
stress, metal dyshomeostasis, and the increased expression of neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. This
proposal will determine if these blast-induced memory/cognitive deficits can be prevented using our orally-
administered multifunctional redox modulator, HK-2, to suppress oxidative stress, metal dyshomeostasis, and
Aβ plaque formation. Dual-acting HK-2: (a) sequesters and redistributes free transition metals preventing the
generation of highly toxic hydroxyl radicals and (b) quenches reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals (ROS/RNS).
HK-2 has already been shown to protect against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), prevent Aβ plaque formation
in Alzheimer's transgenic mice and facilitates the degradation of neurotoxic Aβ:Zn plaque complexes associated
with dementia. Rats will be exposed to acoustic blast overpressures (ABO) with and without ear protection in
order to create animal models of TBI or TBI+NIHL. The TBI and TBI+NIHL groups will be treated with HK-2 or
placebo to determine if HK-2 is effective in preventing (1) hippocampal-dependent spatial memory deficits, (2)
the formation of hippocampal Aβ:Zn plaques and (3) the decline in hippocampus neurogenesis, (4) hearing loss
and hair cell loss. Successful demonstration of the efficacy of oral HK-2 in preventing memory deficits,
hippocampal Aβ:Zn plaques and maintaining hippocampal neurogenesis would represent a major scientific
advance with significant clinical implications that would provide the necessary data to submit an SBIR Phase 2
application to fund preclinical and toxicological studies required for obtaining an FDA investigational new drug
(IND) application for subsequent clinical studies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10546778
- **Project number:** 1R43DC020687-01
- **Recipient organization:** THERAPEUTIC VISION, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** PETER F KADOR
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $149,949
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10546778

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10546778, Effect of Multifunctional Redox Modulator (MFRM) HK-2 on Acoustic Blast Overpressure and Cognitive Function (1R43DC020687-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10546778. Licensed CC0.

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