Neuralstem, Inc. (Nasdaq:CUR), a biopharmaceutical company focused
on the development of central nervous system therapies based on its
neural stem cell technology, announced the presentation of the
poster entitled, “Reversal of radiation-induced cognitive
impairment by oral administration of a neurogenic small molecule
compound NSI-189,” at the Radiation Research Society Annual Meeting
on October 19th. The preclinical study data concluded that NSI-189
provided treatment benefits in the reversal of radiation-induced
cognitive deficits.
Research led by Charles Limoli, Ph.D. at
University of California, Irvine, showed that treatment of
gamma-irradiated rats with NSI-189 daily for 30 days ameliorated
radiation-induced impairments in hippocampal- and frontal
cortex-dependent episodic and spatial memory functions.
Additionally, NSI-189 treatment preserved hippocampal neurogenesis
at the pre-irradiation level. Adult rats (n=16/group) were
irradiated with clinically relevant dose of cranial irradiation,
and then 24-hours later, were started on oral administration of
either placebo, or NSI-189 (30mg/kg/day), for 30 days. They were
periodically assessed by multiple cognitive tasks The animals on
placebo showed significant impairments in performances across all
tasks, an effect that was reversed by treatment with NSI-189.
“These new data suggest NSI-189’s potential applicability to
protect the brain against permanent cognitive impairment in cancer
patients undergoing radiation therapy,” said Dr. Limoli,
Professor, Radiation Oncology, University of California,
Irvine.
“We are excited by the prospect of extending NSI-189’s
neurogenic benefits to improving cognition, added Dr. Karl Johe,
Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Neuralstem, and a study author.
“After observing NSI-189’s encouraging results in Phase 1b major
depressive disorder (MDD) study, we are currently evaluating its
potential efficacy as an antidepressant in a larger Phase 2 MDD
study. With these new preclinical data, we now plan to explore
NSI-189’s utility to treat or protect against cognitive impairment
in various indications, such as radiation-induced brain injuries
incurred during cancer treatment.”
Radiation therapy (RT) is standard treatment for
cancers in the brain and is associated with cognitive dysfunction,
particularly in children, resulting in loss of working memory
or progressive dementia.
To see the poster, please go visit publications
at Neuralstem.com.
About NSI-189
NSI-189, the lead compound in Neuralstem’s neurogenic small
molecule program, is a proprietary, new chemical compound that
stimulates neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and increases hippocampal
volume, all of which are believed to be effective in reversing
depression, enhancing cognition, and promoting
neuroregeneration. Neuralstem recently reported in vitro data
showing that mouse hippocampal slices treated with NSI-189 produced
a time- and concentration-dependent enhancement of both short-term
potentiation (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP and STP
refer to strengthened communication between neurons and key
components of synaptic plasticity, which play critical roles in
memory formation and cognition.
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 multiple central nervous system diseases and conditions.
Neuralstem’s technology enables the generation of small molecule
compounds by screening hippocampal stem cell lines with its
proprietary systematic chemical screening process. The
screening process 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, a novel neurogenic small molecule product candidate, for
the treatment of major depressive disorder or MDD, and is currently
conducting a Phase 2 efficacy study for MDD.
Neuralstem's stem cell therapy product candidate, NSI-566, is a
spinal cord-derived neural stem cell line. Neuralstem is currently
evaluating NSI-566 in three indications: stroke, chronic spinal
cord injury (cSCI), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Neuralstem is conducting a Phase 1 safety study for the
treatment of paralysis from chronic motor stroke at the BaYi Brain
Hospital in Beijing, China. In addition, NSI-566 was
evaluated in a Phase 1 safety study to treat paralysis due to
chronic spinal cord injury, as well as, a Phase 1 and Phase 2a risk
escalation, safety trials for ALS. Patients from all three
indications are currently in long-term observational follow-up
periods to continue to monitor safety and possible therapeutic
benefits.
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, 2015, and
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
on March 14, 2016, Form 10-Q for the period ended June
30, 2016, and in other reports filed with the SEC.
Contact:
Neuralstem – Investor Relations:
Danielle Spangler
301.366.1481
Planet Communications - Media Relations:
Deanne Eagle
917.837.5866
Neuralstem (NASDAQ:CUR)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
Neuralstem (NASDAQ:CUR)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024