NurExone Reports Positive Preclinical Results for Vision Restoration Post Optic Nerve Damage

NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV: NRX, OTCQB: NRXBF, Germany: J90), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in exosome-based regenerative therapies, has announced promising results from an expanded preclinical study of its drug, ExoPTEN, for repairing optic nerve damage. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Goldschleger Eye Institute at Sheba Medical Center, builds on earlier findings and suggests a potential new treatment for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

The study used a rodent model to mimic optic nerve damage caused by conditions such as glaucoma. After inducing injury, ExoPTEN was administered through direct injection into the eyes. The results showed that eyes treated with ExoPTEN regained nearly normal retinal activity, as indicated by electrical tests. Additional analyses confirmed significant recovery of signal transmission in treated eyes compared to untreated controls. Imaging results validated the success of the optic nerve crush procedure in all treated eyes.

Furthermore, the study revealed that ExoPTEN treatment significantly increased the survival of retinal ganglion cells, which are crucial for transmitting visual information to the brain. Detailed examinations of retinal flat-mounts showed that treated eyes had substantially higher counts of these cells compared to untreated or control-treated eyes.

Dr. Ifat Sher, the lead investigator from the Goldschleger Eye Institute, noted the encouraging nature of the results. She highlighted ExoPTEN's potential to restore functionality and offer neuroprotection, demonstrating clear signal recovery, healthier optic nerve structures, and preserved retinal ganglion cells. This opens up a promising treatment pathway for glaucoma and optic nerve trauma, prompting further research with a larger study to validate these findings.

Dr. Lior Shaltiel, CEO of NurExone, emphasized the significance of these findings in advancing the company's mission to develop groundbreaking therapies in regenerative medicine. He noted that ExoPTEN's ability to repair both the structure and function of the optic nerve showcases its potential to address vision loss and improve the lives of millions of patients.

NurExone Biologic Inc. is a TSX Venture Exchange and OTCQB listed pharmaceutical company that develops biologically guided exosome-based therapies for patients with Central Nervous System injuries. Its first product, ExoPTEN for acute spinal cord injury, was shown to recover motor function in 75% of laboratory rats when administered intranasally. ExoPTEN has received Orphan Drug Designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The company's platform technology is expected to offer innovative solutions for drug companies interested in minimally invasive targeted drug delivery for various indications.

These findings pave the way for further research and development, potentially expanding into additional large indication markets. NurExone continues to work on advancing its ExoTherapy platform, aiming to bring novel regenerative treatments to patients in need.