Company Interview / The small cap aiming to tackle Crohn’s disease

Key points:

- NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:NSB) receives TGA approval for first patients to access Stem Smart stem cell therapy

- Stem Smart targets fistulating Crohn’s disease, with future potential for other inflammatory and transplant applications

- Phase two clinical trials set to start by end of next year, with strong financial runway reported

- Estimated global market could reach up to $100 billion with expansion into further disease areas

NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:NSB) has achieved an important breakthrough, with approval from the TGA for the first three patients to receive its patented Stem Smart stem cell therapy under the Special Access Scheme. Nathan Smith states that this therapy targets fistulating Crohn’s disease, a particularly challenging subset where sufferers develop fistulas in the digestive tract. Current treatment options remain limited, making compassionate use of Stem Smart an important development.

Smith highlights that Stem Smart stems from adult bone marrow, then undergoes a patented process which “humanises” the cells and enhances their inflammatory disease-fighting properties. According to Smith, previous small-scale trials show notable efficacy in addressing severe inflammatory diseases. The TGA program allows clinicians to treat Crohn’s patients lacking alternatives, and further monitoring will inform broader clinical trials. NeuroScientific intends to begin a phase two trial by the end of next year and is currently transferring manufacturing operations to ensure secure supply chains.

The addressable global market for Crohn’s and related inflammatory conditions stands at an estimated $35 billion to $40 billion, Smith notes, with the potential to reach $100 billion as additional indications are explored. Further expansion beyond Crohn’s disease could include conditions such as COPD, kidney transplant, and various lung disorders.