NeuroScientific’s EmtinB drug achieves positive results in pre-clinical MS research
Pre-clinical research using NeuroScientific’s EmtinB on multiple sclerosis models reveals it could be of clinical benefit.
NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals (ASX: NSB) has achieved positive results in pre-clinical studies using its lead drug candidate EmtinB to treat multiple sclerosis models.
Independent research organisation Neuron Experts undertook the study to evaluate EmtimB as a potential therapeutic benefit for MS.
MS is one of the most common immune-mediated neurodegenerative conditions with onset ranging between 20 and 50 years of age.
According to NeuroScientific, the disease works by damaging the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres – disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
This damage to the nerves is permanent, with treatments aimed at preventing the ongoing deterioration of myelin.
Central nervous system support cells called oligodendrocytes provide the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibres.
These cells initially develop as oligodendrocyte precursor cells then proliferate and migrate towards demyelinating nerves where they transition into mature oligodendrocytes and remyelinate nerves.
As people age and the disease advances, the efficiency of this process diminishes.
Current MS research aims to boost the remyelination of nerve cells.
In the pre-clinical study using EmtinB, Neuron Experts assessed the drug’s impact on proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocytes in their MS model.
The research found EmtinB “significantly” increased the number of support cells after 11-days of incubation across all EmtinB concentrations.
“Coming off the back of the company-defining results reported last week in the glaucoma pig model, these results also exceeded our expectations and profoundly demonstrate the efficacy of EmtinB in MS and across a number of other neurodegenerative conditions,” NeuroScientific managing director and chief executive officer Matthew Liddelow said.
“These results also indicate positive implications for EmtinB treatment of demyelinating conditions that affect the optic nerve, such as optic neuritis and the company plans to further explore this as part
“These results also indicate positive implications for EmtinB treatment of demyelinating conditions that affect the optic nerve, such as optic neuritis and the company plans to further explore this as part of our ophthalmology R&D program,” he added.
EmtinB and other diseases
Today’s news follows a previous announcement last week regarding positive results using EmtinB on glaucoma in pig models.
However, research is most advanced in using EmtinB in Alzehimer’s disease.