This video features an interview with Dr. Jerry Silver, a neuroscientist, discussing his groundbreaking research on spinal cord injury treatments. The conversation centers on the advancement of a peptide (NVG291) into human trials, tracing back his decades of research and explaining the underlying science.
Phase 1B/2A Trial of NVG291: The peptide NVG291, developed by Dr. Silver, is entering a Phase 1B/2A clinical trial for spinal cord injury patients. This marks a significant milestone after successful testing in animal models. The peptide is administered subcutaneously, targeting the subcutaneous fat area in the belly.
Mechanism of Action: The peptide targets the PTPσ receptor (the "hook"), which becomes highly expressed on damaged nerve fibers after injury. This receptor interacts with proteoglycans (the "loops") in the scar tissue, preventing nerve regeneration. By blocking the PTPσ receptor, the peptide allows nerve fibers to regrow past the scar tissue. This differs from using Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), which targets the "loops" directly.
Treatment Timeline and Expectations: In animal models, changes are seen within a week or two, with continuous improvement. The human trial will monitor patient responses and neurological function, along with physiological recordings. Treatment could continue for months or years if there are no side effects and continued improvement is observed. The duration of the Phase 2B trial and the optimal treatment duration are yet to be determined.
40-Year Research Journey: Dr. Silver's work has spanned over 40 years, initially focused on the development of the eye, later expanding to spinal cord injury research. His early work on proteoglycans and their role as barriers to nerve regeneration laid the groundwork for the development of NVG291. He faced initial skepticism but eventually proved his theories through rigorous research.
Role of a Fortunate Accident: A fortunate oversight by a research assistant, who had inadvertently left rats with spinal cord lesions untreated for over a year, led to a significant discovery. These chronic injury rats showed remarkable improvement after treatment, highlighting the potential of the treatment for long-term spinal cord injuries.
