New ExoPTEN Preclinical Study Indicates Significant Improvement in Walking Quality in Spinal Cord Injury Model

Key Takeaways:

• ExoPTEN achieved 100% motor function recovery in animals receiving a high dose.
• Treatment efficacy was dose-dependent, with higher doses yielding better outcomes.
• Gait improvements were validated using the CatWalk XT system.
• High-dose ExoPTEN was well tolerated with no observed side effects.
• NurExone plans further studies and manufacturing optimization for regulatory engagement.

A New Hope in Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

In a significant leap forward for spinal cord injury therapy, NurExone Biologic Inc. announced that its experimental treatment, ExoPTEN, enabled full motor function recovery in 100% of animals receiving a higher dose. The preclinical study’s results offer promising implications for future treatments of acute spinal cord injuries.

Dose-Dependent Success with ExoPTEN

The study examined the effects of medium and high single doses of ExoPTEN, administered minimally invasively on the day of spinal cord compression surgery. The findings revealed a compelling dose-dependent response:

• High-Dose Group: 100% of animals regained walking ability in both hind limbs.
• Medium-Dose Group: 50% of animals showed significant recovery.
• Control Group: Only 1 out of 6 rats exhibited minimal stepping.

“This is a significant milestone for our program,” said Dr. Tali Kizhner, Director of Research and Development at NurExone. “Seeing the animals regain the ability to walk, with measurable improvement in locomotion function, is incredibly exciting.”

Validating Recovery with Advanced Technology

Researchers utilized the CatWalk XT system, a leading tool for studying animal movement, to assess the effectiveness of ExoPTEN. This technology allowed for precise measurements of gait and locomotion, confirming the dose-dependent improvements:

• Larger paw print areas
• Greater maximal contact area of hind paws
• Wider base of support
• Extended duration of paw contact with the walkway

These indicators reflect enhanced balance, strength, coordination, and weight-bearing capacity during walking.

Safety and Tolerability

Importantly, the high dose of ExoPTEN was well tolerated by the animals, with no observed side effects. This favorable safety profile strengthens the potential for ExoPTEN as a viable treatment option.

Looking Ahead

Building on these promising results, NurExone plans to initiate additional studies to explore alternative dosing regimens. The company is also advancing the optimization of ExoPTEN’s manufacturing processes and analytical methods, aiming to refine the drug’s therapeutic profile and engage with regulatory authorities.

Conclusion

The success of ExoPTEN in preclinical trials marks a hopeful step toward effective treatments for spinal cord injuries. As NurExone continues its research and development efforts, the possibility of restoring motor function after such debilitating injuries moves closer to reality.