A promising neuroprotective drug developed in Western Australia for stroke continues to show potential to significantly reduce damage to brain cells after a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as concussion.
The therapy ARG-007 is currently being administered to stroke patients in several Australian hospitals in a Phase 2 clinical trial.
Preclinical studies indicate that this novel therapeutic also significantly protects the brain in TBI.
ARG-007 is being developed by WA based biotechnology company Argenica Therapeutics to reduce brain tissue death after stroke and other types of brain injury.
Dr Liz Dallimore, Managing Director of Argenica, commented: “The data generated in the latest study is greatly encouraging because it supports and affirms the positive findings in our previous studies, showing ARG-007 has significant potential as a therapeutic drug for people with mild to moderate TBI.
“This study, expanding on previously announced TBI data, provides further robust evidence regarding the potential of ARG-007 for TBI treatment.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the University of Adelaide to expand this work to ensure we have robust preclinical data to build a strong scientific and clinical rationale to progress ARG-007 into a Phase 2 clinical trial in TBI patients.”
The work towards commercialisation of ARG-007 for stroke and other neurological conditions is based on pioneering work by Professor Bruno Meloni and Clinical Professor Neville Knuckey at The University of Western Australia and WA’s Perron Institute.
“The most recent study of ARG-007 in TBI was assessing therapeutic effects of ARG-007 in brain regions highly susceptible to damage in TBI,” Professor Meloni said.
“Inflammation in the brain following TBI is a cause of secondary brain injury, and results of the latest study are pleasing, as ARG-007 not only reduced markers of brain cell injury, but also inflammation.
“There is more work to be done but the results of the preclinical studies to date indicate that the adverse effects of moderate TBI may be limited by administering ARG-007 shortly after the injury occurs,” Professor Meloni said.