ReNeuron jumps on stem cell study results

Shares in AIM-listed stem cell business ReNeuron Group rose on Tuesday morning after the group unveiled details of progress with the PISCES clinical trial of its ReN001 stem cell therapy for disabled stroke patients. The group said that the primary aim of the study was to test the safety and tolerability of the treatment in ascending doses of the ReN001 cells in patients with moderate to severe functional neurological impairments resulting from their stroke. The secondary aim of the study is to evaluate efficacy measures for the design of future clinical trials with ReN001, including imaging measures as well as a number of tests of sensory, motor and cognitive functions. Interim data from the first nine patients treated in the PISCES study was being presented by the clinical team from Glasgow's Southern General Hospital at the 22nd European Stroke Conference, taking place in London this week, the group said. It added that there was no cell-related or immunological adverse events reported in any of the patients treated and sustained reductions in neurological impairment and spasticity were observed in most patients compared with their stable pre-treatment baseline performance. Michael Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron, said: "The PISCES study continues to yield encouraging results. Assuming the remaining required short-term follow up data confirm the good safety profile of the treatment, we will be able to move the ReN001 therapy confidently into Phase II clinical development, as planned, later this year." He added: "This will represent yet another important milestone for ReNeuron, maintaining the company's pre-eminent position in the development of a neural stem cell-based treatment for disabled stroke patients." ReNeuron's share price was up 12.24% to 2.75p at 10.45 on Tuesday morning.MF