NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals has unveiled promising results from two studies examining its StemSmart stem cell therapy in patients with kidney failure. These studies, while small in scale, demonstrate the therapy’s potential to enhance kidney transplant outcomes by addressing issues of organ rejection and graft failure, which are significant challenges in current transplant medicine.
The first study involved ten adults facing acute renal rejection, a serious condition that threatens the viability of donated kidneys. Following weekly StemSmart infusions over four weeks, 80 percent of participants retained their transplanted kidneys. Biopsies conducted three and twelve months later revealed reduced T-cells and inflammatory markers, alongside improved kidney function. Notably, antibodies that typically complicate transplant success decreased or disappeared in patients with high levels of donor-specific antibodies.
In the second study, twelve participants received kidneys from deceased donors, focusing on the prevalent issue of ischemia-reperfusion injury. This complication can arise when blood flow is restored to a transplanted kidney, leading to inflammation and potential rejection. Patients received StemSmart infusions within twelve hours of restoration and again at day seven. The results were encouraging; ten of the twelve patients required no dialysis post-surgery, with kidney function rated as excellent at both three and twelve months.
Dr. Marian Sturm, Chief Scientific Advisor at NeuroScientific, expressed enthusiasm for the findings, stating, “Resolution of acute rejection in the majority of the small group of patients facing loss of their kidney was fantastic.” He noted that the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of StemSmart MSC effectively controlled the inflammatory cell invasion, stabilizing renal function.
Despite the positive results, the company cautioned that both studies involved limited patient groups and were not designed for definitive clinical conclusions. However, these findings build a strong case for larger trials aimed at preventing graft loss and improving long-term transplant success rates.
The global market for kidney-related immunosuppressants is estimated at US$7.2 billion (A$11 billion), highlighting the potential commercial impact of StemSmart therapy. If future trials confirm these initial results, NeuroScientific anticipates StemSmart could serve as a significant adjunct or alternative to existing immunosuppressant medications, which often lead to severe side effects and do not always prevent long-term graft loss.
NeuroScientific acquired the StemSmart technology in June 2023 for A$5.1 million from private Perth-based company Isopogen. This acquisition not only enhances its current offerings but also opens avenues for treating other conditions. Notably, the market for inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s is projected to reach US$13.8 billion (A$21.2 billion) by 2026, while lung disorders could represent a US$33 billion (A$51 billion) market by 2034.
As NeuroScientific continues its exploration of historical data and results, the company is mapping out new therapeutic pipelines. With solid initial studies and a strategic acquisition, NeuroScientific is poised to make significant strides in the treatment of kidney transplant patients and potentially beyond. If StemSmart continues to deliver positive outcomes, the Perth-based biotech could challenge the conventional landscape of transplant and anti-inflammatory therapies, offering new hope to patients in need.
