FRS
0.026
160%
OCT
0.045
-42.3%
CRS
0.062
138.5%
NRZ
0.002
-33.3%
AVE
0.007
133.3%
CHM
0.006
-25%
LAT
0.074
111.4%
JAV
0.003
-25%
RLL
0.004
100%
HYD
0.019
-24%
SCN
0.027
80%
DUN
0.033
-23.3%
BP8
0.005
66.7%
TFL
0.01
-23.1%
EVR
0.005
66.7%
EXR
0.034
-22.7%
RGL
0.005
66.7%
GLL
0.007
-22.2%
SLM
0.105
66.7%
OZM
0.125
-21.9%
RR1
0.013
62.5%
TMG
0.036
-21.7%
RAS
0.025
56.3%
AGH
0.02
-20%
BGE
0.03
50%
CRR
0.004
-20%
CDT
0.003
50%
EM2
0.008
-20%
TMK
0.003
50%
CVL
1.06
-19.4%
BSX
0.051
45.7%
NWM
0.013
-18.8%
VIT
0.112
41.8%
AQD
0.04
-18.4%
CMO
0.024
41.2%
BUS
0.155
-18.4%
TOR
0.1
40.8%
LOT
0.195
-17%
EXT
0.018
38.5%
PUA
0.01
-16.7%

Argenica’s flagship drug shows reduced brain injury in study

A study testing the efficacy of Argenica Therapeutics’ (ASX: AGN) leading drug known as ARG-007 has displayed significant neuroprotection in traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

More specifically, the broadened pre-clinical rat study measuring axonal injury and neuroinflammation following TBI has shown ARG-007 to significantly reduce damage to brain cells.

Multiple positive outcomes

Management noted that axonal injuries and neuroinflammation contribute significantly to many of the acute and chronic consequences of TBI, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention.

The study itself was designed to mimic injuries sustained during moderate TBI events such as those obtained in a fall or a motor vehicle accident.

It showed that the biomarker levels of axonal injury and neuroinflammation in the rats following ARG-007 treatment were equivalent to non-injured animals, suggesting that ARG-007 prevents damage following TBI. 

Furthermore, rats treated with ARG-007 showed several signs of improvement in a motor function test and a behavioural test, coupled with a significant reduction in weight loss. 

Growing confidence in effectiveness

According to Argenica, the outcomes from the study verify the data generated from a previous pilot study in rats, as well as another pilot study in ferrets. As such, the results hint at the extensive neuroprotective effect of ARG-007 in moderate TBI.

Collectively, the new data suggests that a single dose of ARG-007 administered intravenously and delivered 30 minutes after moderate TBI could be an effective treatment strategy for preserving normal motor coordination. It may also hold other benefits such as restoring normal body weight in recipients.

Argenica Therapeutics managing director, Dr Liz Dallimore, commented:

“We are extremely pleased with the results from this larger preclinical study in a moderate TBI animal model. The study confirms previously generated data, indicating that ARG-007 consistently reduces axonal injury and neuroinflammation following TBI, and encouragingly to levels similar to non-injured animals.”

Vast addressable market

Nearly 70 million people sustain a TBI each year with most suffering ongoing neurological dysfunction including motor and cognitive problems. In turn, the company believes its addressable market for the treatment of TGI with ARG-007 could reach US$18.6 billion by 2031. 

The group will now continue its collaboration with the University of Adelaide and Curtin University to finalise larger pre-clinical studies designed to assess the efficacy of ARG-007 for moderate TBI in ferrets, and for mild TBIs in rats under repeated dosing conditions.

Other commercialisation opportunities

More broadly, Argenica is targeting the commercialisation of ARG-007 for several neurological conditions. These include stroke, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy developed during pregnancy, and Alzheimer’s disease.

In particular, the company is prioritising stroke treatment where a market opportunity of about US$12 billion has been identified. Here, early studies gauging ARG-007’s effectiveness have shown a 70 per cent reduction in brain tissue death 28 days following a stroke.