ReNeuron upbeat on trial results of stroke victims treated with stem cell therapy
ReNeuron has reported “highly encouraging” latest stage clinical trial results in regained limb movements in stroke sufferers treated with its pioneering stem cell based therapy (WalesOnline, 2016).
RenNeuron relocated to Pencoed from Surrey following a £25m equity investment from institutional investors, led by the Welsh Government’s Wales Life Sciences Investment Fund managed by Arthurian Life Sciences.
The Pisces stage two trial of its CTX cells for chronic disability caused by strokes, monitored improvement in arm movements. The aim was to achieve discernible change within three months in two of the twenty one patients receiving treatment. Three patients registered improvement over a variety of timescales, which saw them regaining the ability to lift objects within a year of treatment. Furthermore, fifteen patients had a “clinically significant response” on at least one of the three commonly used scales for assessing improvements following treatment.
ReNeuron now intends to apply to the US and European regulatory authorities to commence a randomised, placebo-controlled, pivotal clinical trial in patients who are living with disability post stroke.
Sir Chris Evans, chairman and founder of Arthurian Life Sciences, said “We are delighted that ReNeuron has reported such encouraging results from its latest study. The treatment has great potential for patients and the company will go into its next trial with confidence. The results of the Pisces II trial are also a real boost for life sciences in Wales. And they follow on from all of the positive safety and efficacy data accumulated over the last three years from the Pisces 1 study. As things stand today, if I were unfortunate enough to have a serious stroke I would personally want this injection of ReNeuron stem cells immediately. They are safe, show no side effects and afford significant benefits for recovering stroke patients.”
ReNeuron is listed on the Alternative Investment Market. As part of its relocation to Pencoed it was given an offer of up to £9m in grant support from the Welsh Government.
