GenVec has signed an agreement with Novartis to supply clinical trial materials for two lead candidates related to hearing loss and balance disorders.

Under the agreement, GenVec could receive $13m over the next four years.

Pre-clinical results indicate delivery of the atonal gene using GenVec’s adenovector technology has the potential to restore hearing and balance.

The two companies entered into a research, collaboration and license agreement in January 2010. The entire research will be funded by Novartis.