VANCOUVER, CANADA – August 21, 2025 – NervGen Pharma Corp. (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class neuroreparative therapeutics, announced new preclinical results from two Department of Defense-sponsored studies. The studies investigated NVG-291-R, the rodent variant of the company’s lead candidate NVG-291, in models of blast-induced sensorineural hearing loss and peripheral nerve injury.
Findings presented at the 2025 Military Health System Research Symposium reinforce the drug’s potential to promote nervous system repair across multiple conditions.
Hearing Loss and Peripheral Nerve Injury Findings
In collaboration with the U.S. Air Force’s 59th Medical Wing, Uniformed Services University, and Brooke Army Medical Center, researchers tested NVG-291-R as a potential treatment for blast-induced sensorineural hearing loss. In rat models exposed to shock waves, daily subcutaneous NVG-291-R significantly improved hearing thresholds across all frequencies by Day 30, preventing the permanent hearing loss seen in untreated animals.
“Sensorineural hearing loss from blast exposure is one of the most common and debilitating injuries affecting our service members,” said Colonel Michael Davis, MD, FACS, Former Director of the U.S. Combat Casualty Care Research Program.
“To see a systemic drug significantly improve hearing thresholds by potentially repairing underlying nerve damage is a groundbreaking step forward. This could fundamentally change how we manage acute acoustic trauma on the battlefield and beyond.”
At Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, researchers studied NVG-291-R in rodent models of moderate and severe peripheral nerve injury. Treatment produced significant improvements in neuromuscular function and axonal regrowth, with regenerative gains observed as early as four weeks post-injury.
“Peripheral nerve injuries can be life-altering and are a major barrier to return-to-duty for military personnel,” said Dr. Wilson Ray, MD, lead investigator.
“Our study showed a significant acceleration of functional recovery and clear histological evidence of axonal regrowth. These findings suggest NVG-291 could play a critical role in improving outcomes for individuals with peripheral nerve damage.”
Broader Therapeutic Potential
According to NervGen, the results reinforce NVG-291’s ability to promote repair in the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and inner ear. “We are demonstrating a consistent ability to promote nervous system repair, whether in the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, or the delicate structures of the inner ear,” said Dr. Marc DePaul, Director of Research at NervGen Pharma.
“These robust findings strengthen our commitment to advancing NVG-291 into further clinical studies.”
About NVG-291
NervGen holds exclusive worldwide rights to NVG-291, a therapeutic peptide licensed from Case Western Reserve University. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its ability to promote neuronal sprouting, remyelination, and modulation of microglial activity. NVG-291 has received Fast Track designation from the FDA and Orphan Designation from the EMA for individuals living with spinal cord injury.
About NervGen
NervGen (TSXV: NGEN, OTCQB: NGENF) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics to promote nervous system repair in neurotrauma and neurological disease. The company is evaluating NVG-291 in the CONNECT SCI Study, a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial in spinal cord injury. More information is available at www.nervgen.com
Source: NervGen
