First patient dosed with NG004 in Phase 1b trial for acute spinal cord injury

NovaGo Therapeutics AG, a clinical-stage biotech company focused on advancing therapeutics for patients with spinal cord injury or diabetic retinopathy, today announced the initiation of the NG004 Phase 1b trial for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury. Based on Neurimmune’s RTM technology™, NG004 is a fully human antibody with improved efficacy and biophysical properties.

The SPROUT Phase 1b study will evaluate the safety and pharmacology of an anti-Nogo-A antibody in up to 21 acute spinal cord injury patients in a multicenter, multi-country clinical trial. Four centers in Germany and two in Switzerland are actively recruiting.

The anti-Nogo-A antibody NG004 blocks and neutralizes the Nogo-A protein. Studies in animals have shown that the Nogo-A protein stops damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord from growing back after an injury. This antibody helps block these effects, allowing the nerves to heal and aiding spinal cord recovery.

“This milestone marks NovaGo’s transition to a clinical-stage company with its first asset. We are thrilled to start the clinical development of NG004 for acute spinal cord injury,” said Stefan Moese, CEO of NovaGo.