Jun 28, 2024
Mike Kelly, CEO of NervGen Pharma, discusses the company's vision to build a startup biotech focused on repairing the central nervous system, helping patients regain function, not just slowing progression. Their first product, NVG-291, is currently in clinical trials for spinal cord injury. The drug candidate aims to promote natural repair by targeting molecules called CSPGs that inhibit nerve growth and repair. NerveGen is also developing NVG-300 for other indications such as stroke, ALS, MS, and Alzheimer's. He draws parallels between his previous experience developing the Narcan Nasal Spray for opioid overdose and the unmet medical need in spinal cord injury.
Mike explains, "We are a company focusing on a group of products, more like a platform, that will enable the nervous system to repair itself. So the vision is to build a startup biotech focused in CNS and to get our first product over the line in spinal cord injury."
"There are no drugs available. So this is something that happens in an instant and someone's life has changed forever. The patient typically will then get hospitalized, have surgery to decompress the area that's injured, and then they're on the road to recovery. The only treatment is rehabilitation and exercise, and they push themselves to remake as many connections as possible. Still, that repair typically plateaus around six to nine months after their injury. And the level of function they regained during that period is where they'll be for the rest of their lives, unfortunately."
"NVG-291 is a product that aims to promote natural repair. When you damage, say, you cut your finger or break your foot, your body repairs itself very easily. When you damage your central nervous system, your body protects itself very well and inhibits repair, actually. Our drug targets one of those mechanisms that inhibit repair, turns it off, and allows the body to repair itself naturally."
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