Early Promising Results for ExoPTEN in Glaucoma Optic Nerve Recovery Study

NurExone Biologic Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company, recently disclosed preliminary findings from a controlled study on their innovative nanodrug, ExoPTEN, intended for optic nerve recovery in rats. Conducted at Sheba Medical Center, this research presents a second clinical indication for ExoPTEN, extending its potential beyond spinal cord injury treatments.

The study was spearheaded by Professor Michael Belkin, building on ExoPTEN's previous success in preclinical models for spinal cord nerve regeneration. To mimic conditions such as glaucoma, the research utilized an Optic Nerve Crush (ONC) model, where the optic nerve is deliberately damaged, leading to compromised vision.

Glaucoma, often seen in older adults, is primarily caused by optic nerve pressure and compression. It affects approximately 2-3% of individuals over 40 in the Western world, with higher prevalence in those over 60. In the United States alone, over three million people are estimated to have glaucoma, with many cases remaining undiagnosed.

Under the guidance of Prof. Ygal Rotenstreich and Dr. Ifat Sher from Sheba Medical Center, the study examined the therapeutic impact of ExoPTEN on retinal function post-ONC, comparing it to untreated controls and those treated with naïve exosomes. Administered via a minimally invasive suprachoroidal injection method developed by Prof. Rotenstreich, ExoPTEN showed promising results.

Post-ONC control eyes displayed a significant decline in retinal function, as indicated by the absence of a peak in their retinal response. However, eyes treated with ExoPTEN demonstrated a retinal response akin to healthy eyes, suggesting recovery of retinal function following optic nerve compression. In contrast, eyes treated with naïve exosomes exhibited a weaker and delayed response.

These findings, observed just 18 days post-ONC damage, propose potential pathways for optic nerve function recovery and overall vision restoration. Dr. Ifat Sher and Prof. Ygal Rotenstreich emphasized that while these results are preliminary, they provide a robust basis for further research, aiming to validate these findings and explore their applicability to human treatments.

Dr. Lior Shaltiel, CEO of NurExone, expressed enthusiasm over the preliminary outcomes, commending the Sheba team for their efforts. He highlighted this study as a crucial step in developing regenerative therapies, with the potential for ExoPTEN to make a significant impact in the $3.4 billion glaucoma market, aiding those with retinal degenerative conditions.

NurExone Biologic Inc., listed on TSXV, is focused on developing biologically-guided exosome-based therapies for non-invasive treatment of Central Nervous System injuries. Their flagship product, ExoPTEN, has demonstrated a 75% motor function recovery in rats with acute spinal cord injuries when administered intranasally and has received Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA. The NurExone platform aims to provide novel solutions for targeted drug delivery in various medical conditions.