From left, Dr. Lior Shaltiel, Professor Michael Belkin, Professor Ygal Rotenstreich and Dr. Ifat Sher
Dr. Lior Shaltiel, Professor Michael Belkin, Professor Ygal Rotenstreich and Dr. Ifat Sher. (Source: Edenvideo)
  • A pre-clinical study has been launched to explore the potential of NurExone’s (TSXV:NRX) exosome-based therapies in regenerating damaged optic nerves
  • This marks the latest step in expanding potential clinical indications for the biopharmaceutical company’s exosome-loaded drugs
  • According to data from Allied Market Research, the global optic nerve disorders treatment market size was valued at US$3.4 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach US$5.3 billion by 2031
  • NurExone Biologic Inc. last traded at $0.75 per share

A pre-clinical study has been launched to explore the potential of NurExone’s (TSXV:NRX) exosome-based therapies in regenerating damaged optic nerves.

The study was initiated by ophthalmologist and entrepreneur Michael Belkin from Tel Aviv University’s Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, and led by the principal investigators Ygal Rotenstreich and Ifat Sher from the Sheba Medical Center Eye Institute

This marks the latest step in expanding potential clinical indications for the biopharmaceutical company’s exosome-loaded drugs.

“We are excited to perform preclinical studies on optical nerve regeneration at the Sheba Medical Center Eye Institute. If this experimental direction is successful, I believe we may be able to translate the success quickly to clinical practice,” Belkin said in a news release. “Our ultimate goal is to restore and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by optic nerve diseases and injuries.”

“This investigation is part of our ongoing commitment to using our ExoTherapy platform to advance the field of regenerative medicine,” Nurexone’s CEO, Lior Shaltiel, said. “Through pre-clinical investigations, we aim to address this critical and unmet medical need and bring hope to individuals suffering from vision loss. This also represents the next phase in our strategy to expand the clinical indications for our exosome-loaded drugs, paving the way for future breakthroughs.”

According to data from Allied Market Research, the global optic nerve disorders treatment market size was valued at US$3.4 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach US$5.3 billion by 2031.

The optic nerve carries visual information from the retina to the brain. Since it is part of the central nervous system, the optic nerve cannot regenerate on its own, meaning damage from injury, glaucoma, or other conditions can lead to severe vision loss or blindness. Experts note that current treatments are limited and aim to prevent further damage rather than repair or regenerate the nerves. However, based on NurExone’s spinal cord trials, which also involve the central nervous system, exosome-loaded drugs might offer a new approach by potentially regenerating damaged nerves.

NurExone Biologic Inc. is developing a platform for biologically guided exosome-based therapies to be delivered non-invasively to patients who have suffered central nervous system injuries. The company’s first product, ExoPTEN for acute spinal cord injury, was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA. The NurExone platform technology is expected to offer novel solutions to drug companies interested in noninvasive targeted drug delivery for other indications.

NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV:NRX) last traded at $0.75 per share.

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(Top image: Edenvideo)


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