GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuralstem,
Inc. (Nasdaq: CUR), a biopharmaceutical company using neural stem
cell technology to develop small molecule and cell therapy
treatments for central nervous system diseases, announced
publication of "Human Cortical Neural Stem Cells Expressing
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1: A Novel Cellular Therapy for
Alzheimer's Disease," in Stem Cells Translational Medicine
(http://stemcellstm.alphamedpress.org/content/early/2016/01/07/sctm.2015-0103.short?rss=1).
![Neuralstem Logo. Neuralstem Logo.](http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20061221/DCTH007LOGO)
Researchers reported that HK532-IGF-1 cells differentiated into
a subtype of neurons (GABA-ergic) that are dysregulated in
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and produced increased vascular
endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in vitro. Additionally, they
significantly increased neuroprotection, while not impacting normal
cellular function. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, the
cells survived transplantation into the peri-hippocampus and
exhibited long-term persistence in targeted brain areas. The
researchers concluded that HK532-IGF-1 cells should be further
studied as a possible disease-modifying Alzheimer's intervention.
HK532-IGF-1, Neuralstem's second stem cell product, is a
proprietary line of cortical neural stem cells engineered to
express insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which has been shown
to have wide-ranging neuroprotective properties.
"IGF-1 is a potent neuroprotective molecule that is naturally
produced in our brain and body," said Karl
Johe, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Neuralstem and a
study author. "In aging or lesioned brains, extra addition of IGF-1
may be therapeutic. Combining neural stem cell therapy with a
protein therapy, in a single and permanent delivery, is a powerful
new therapeutic modality. HK532-IGF-1 is the first of such
second generation stem cell therapies we are developing in which
the stem cells are used as stable and safe delivery vehicle of
therapeutic proteins."
About Neuralstem
Neuralstem's patented technology enables the commercial-scale
production of multiple types of central nervous system stem cells,
which are being developed as potential therapies for many central
nervous system diseases and conditions.
Neuralstem's ability to generate neural stem cell lines from
human hippocampus, which were used for systematic chemical
screening for neurogenesis effect, has led to the discovery and
patenting of molecules that Neuralstem believes may stimulate the
brain's capacity to generate new neurons, potentially reversing
pathophysiologies associated with certain central nervous system
(CNS) conditions.
The company has completed Phase 1a and 1b trials evaluating
NSI-189, its first neurogenic small molecule product candidate, for
the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), and is expecting
to initiate a Phase 2 efficacy study for MDD in 2016.
Neuralstem's first stem cell product candidate, NSI-566, a
spinal cord-derived neural stem cell line, is under development for
treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neuralstem has
completed two clinical studies, in a total of thirty patients,
which met primary safety endpoints. In addition to ALS, NSI-566 is
also in a Phase 1 study to treat paralysis due to chronic spinal
cord injury, as well as in a Phase 1 study to treat paralysis from
ischemic stroke.
Neuralstem's next generation stem cell product, NSI-532.IGF,
consists of human cortex-derived neural stem cells that have been
engineered to secrete human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
protein. The treatment is currently in preclinical investigation
for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In animal study reported at the 2015
Annual Meeting of the American Neurological Association, the cells
improved cognition and reduced amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque load in AD
mice.
For more information, please visit www.neuralstem.com or connect
with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information:
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" made
pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
relate to future, not past, events and may often be identified by
words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe,"
"seek" or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature
address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Specific
risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking
statements include risks inherent in the development and
commercialization of potential products, uncertainty of clinical
trial results or regulatory approvals or clearances, need for
future capital, dependence upon collaborators and maintenance of
our intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ
materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking
statements. Additional information on potential factors that could
affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed
from time to time in Neuralstem's periodic reports, including the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and Form 10-Q for the three
and nine months ended September 30,
2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC), and in other reports filed with the SEC.
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SOURCE Neuralstem, Inc.