Report

Who they are

NervGen Pharma is a Canadian biotech developing NVG-291, a peptide targeting the receptor PTPσ. The goal is to reduce the inhibitory effects of molecules in the glial scar (notably CSPGs) and potentially “release the brakes” on growth and plasticity. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Where the science comes from

The drug concept traces back to work by Dr. Jerry Silver (Case Western), showing that blocking PTPσ could enable growth/sprouting through CSPG-rich scar in preclinical models. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Mechanism in plain English

After SCI, scar-related molecules can behave like “No Entry” signs for nerve signalling and regrowth. NVG-291 tries to interfere with that stop signal. It’s delivered intrathecally in trials (into spinal fluid). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Clinical progress

NervGen ran a trial called CONNECT (Phase 1b/2a), double-blind and placebo-controlled, including:

Chronic cervical incomplete (AIS B/C, ~1–10 years post-injury)
Subacute cervical incomplete (~4–24 weeks post-injury)

Treatment was delivered over 14 weeks alongside intensive rehab. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Key results reported (June 2024)

The trial reported an effect on a biomarker of connectivity using TMS motor-evoked potentials (signals to a hand muscle), described as stronger in the NVG-291 group vs placebo.
Functional outcomes (hand function tasks) were not statistically significant, though there were trends and anecdotes.
Safety looked good: no serious drug-related events were reported. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

What this means for SCI

This is important because it suggests target engagement: the drug appears to be doing something measurable in the nervous system. But it also shows the hard truth: better signals don’t automatically translate into reliable, clinically meaningful function within a short trial. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

What to watch next

The big questions:

Bigger trial with more power (more patients)?
Longer dosing or refined delivery?
Better matching of rehab/training to the new “signal potential”?

Cautions

This approach likely favours incomplete injuries, where there are surviving pathways to strengthen or re-tune. For complete injuries, other strategies may be needed to create new connections first, then drugs like this might help refine them. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}