Together with Biogen Idec, a program to develop Neublastin for the treatment of neuropathy and associated pain syndromes was initiated in 2000. This program was based on NsGene's patented findings that Neublastin can influence the survival and function of peripheral sensory neurons. Neublastin is a member of the GDNF family of neurotrophic factors. The molecule is also known as Artemin and Enovin in the scientific literature. The utility of Neublastin for the treatment of neuropathy and associated pain has been demonstrated in animal models. The first clinical Phase I trial to evaluate safety and tolerability was initiated in 2009, and clinical efficacy will be investigated in trials in the near future.
In addition to neuropathic pain, Neublastin is under preclinical evaluation for other indications. With the exception of multiple sclerosis, NsGene A/S has retained the rights to develop Neublastin for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, where promising research results in pre-clinical animal models have been obtained.
