Neuralstem spends US$3 mln on ischemic stroke treatment study

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Neuralstem Inc will allocate US$3 million (RM12.15 million) toward Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating neural stem cell candidate, NSI-566 as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke. (1US$ = RM4.05)



Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. Approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer stroke -- 87 per cent are ischemic strokes, a statement said.



Chief Scientific Officer of Neuralstem, Dr. Karl Johe said the Phase 2 study will be a randomized, double-blind, controlled study, based on the encouraging results from the open-label Phase 1 safety study.



“It is intended to further test the safety and efficacy of NSI-566 to reverse paralysis in stroke patients with half of their body partially paralyzed,” he added.



The trial will be taking place at Bayi Brain Hospital in Beijing, China, commencing on Aug 1 with Executive Vice President of Asia Operations of Suzhou Neuralstem Ltd, Dr. James Li managing the clinical trial.



--BERNAMA