Neuralstem's patented technology enables the ability to produce neural stem cells of the human brain and spinal cord in commercial quantities, and the ability to control the differentiation of these cells constitutively into mature, physiologically relevant human neurons and glia. Neuralstem is in an FDA-approved Phase I safety clinical trial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease and has been awarded orphan status designation by the FDA.
In addition to ALS, the company is also targeting major central nervous system conditions with its cell therapy platform, including spinal cord injury, ischemic spastic paraplegia, and chronic stroke. The company has submitted an IND (Investigational New Drug) application to the FDA for a Phase I safety trial in chronic spinal cord injury.
Neuralstem also has the ability to generate stable human neural stem cell lines suitable for the systematic screening of large chemical libraries. Through this proprietary screening technology, Neuralstem has discovered and patented compounds that may stimulate the brain's capacity to generate new neurons, possibly reversing the pathologies of some central nervous system conditions.
The company is in an FDA-approved Phase Ib safety trial evaluating NSI-189, the first of its four proprietary, neurogenic small molecule compounds, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). NSI-189 has been shown to stimulate new neuron growth in the hippocampus and increase hippocampal volume in preclinical studies. Additional indications could include chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Market Capitalization: $68.6M
Current Revenue: Nominal
Cash Burn: Vicinity of $10M
Cash and Liquid Investments to Current Liabilities: $2/5M/$1.4M Note: As of 9/21/2012 Company has raised an additional $7M.
Clinical Status: Phase I safety clinical trial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with orphan status
Phase I application submitted to FDA for chronic spinal chord injury
Phase Ib safety trial evaluating NSI-189, the first of four proprietary, neurogenic small molecule compounds, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Stem Cell Digest Posts: Neuralstem
Sept. 8, 2012: Short Term Bet On A Molecular Cure For Depression
Sept. 13, 2012: Long-Distance Growth and Connectivity of Neural Stem Cells After Severe Spinal Cord Injury
Oct. 2, 2012: Seeking Alpha and Neuralstem's Continuing ALS and MDD Trials
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