Publication of a Phase 2 Study of NG101 for the Treatment of acute spinal cord injury

Zurich, Switzerland (19.12.2024).

NovaGo Therapeutics AG, a clinical stage biotech company focused on advancing therapeutics for patients with spinal cord injury or diabetic retinopathy, today announced that its academic collaboration partners the Nogo-A Inhibition in Spinal Cord Injury Study Group (NISCI) published the results today for the investigation of NG101 in acute spinal cord injury patients in Lancet Neurology ¹.

Novago’s founder and CSO Prof. Martin Schwab originally initiated the formation of the large multinational NISCI consortium (14 member institutions) in 2015 in collaboration with Prof. Armin Curt (Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich,) and Prof. Norbert Weidner (Heidelberg University Hospital). It was financed by EU’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SBFI), the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation, the Wings for Life private research foundation, the “CeNeReg” project from the Wyss Zurich (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) and the “International Research in Paraplegia” foundation.

The NISCI phase 2 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an anti-Nogo-A antibody in 129 acute spinal cord injury patients in a multicenter and multi country placebo controlled clinical trial (NCT03935321).

The anti-Nogo-A antibody NG101 blocks and neutralizes the Nogo-A protein. Numerous international studies in animal models have demonstrated that the Nogo-A protein inhibits the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers in the spinal cord following acute injury. This antibody aims to mitigate these inhibitory mechanisms, thereby facilitating the regeneration of injured nerve tracts and promoting spinal cord recovery.

“We are excited to see early signs of disease modifying effects for the treatment of acute spinal cord injuries and applaud the team for their remarkable achievements.” said Stefan Moese, CEO of Novago. “The NISCI Phase 2a study is the first of its kind designed to demonstrate that anti-Nogo-A treatment can enhance the quality of life for patients with acute spinal cord injuries. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the NISCI team, the clinical investigators, and the study participants for their invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to this program,” said Prof. Martin Schwab, CSO of Novago and initiator of the NISCI consortium.

Novago started the clinical development of a new and improved anti-Nogo-A antibody NG004, more details will follow soon.

¹ Weidner, N. et al. Safety and efficacy of intrathecal antibodies to Nogo-A in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial. The Lancet Neurology 24, 42–53 (2025).

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ROGER WETLI APPOINTED AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF THE COMPANY

Zuerich, Switzerland, January 1st, 2024. Novago Therapeutics AG announces that Roger Wetli was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the company effective January 01, 2024.

Roger Wetli will lead the finance and accounting organization and will report directly to Stefan Moese, CEO. Prior to joining NovaGo Therapeutics AG, Roger Wetli was Senior Director Tax and Finance at Neurimmune AG and Neurimmune Subone AG, Roger’s ongoing responsibilities span overseeing financial planning, financial reporting, controlling, treasury and tax strategies aligned with corporate objectives. Roger started his career and held several positions at big four consulting firms, with the focus on international tax planning and structuring. He further gained rich industry experience and expertise whilst working for a leading firm in the specialty chemical industry. He obtained his MBA (lic.oec.publ., Finance) from the university of Zurich, Switzerland and holds a diploma as certified Swiss tax expert. Stefan Moese, PhD CEO, commented: “As we intensify our outreach to additional investors for NovaGo, we are very pleased to welcome such an experienced college to our management team.”

 

 

STEFAN MOESE APPOINTED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE COMPANY

Zuerich, Switzerland, November 1st, 2023. Novago Therapeutics AG announces that Dr. Stefan Moese was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the company effective November 01, 2023.

Dr. Moese will lead the company as its orientation shifts from pre-clinical towards clinical developments and strategic partnerships. Founder and former CEO, Prof. Martin E. Schwab, PhD, hon. MD will focus his efforts as Chief Scientific Officer and chairman of the BoD on the continued advancement of the preclinical package and on the expansion of mechanistic studies for various diseases. Prior to joining NovaGo Therapeutics AG, Dr. Stefan Moese was Vice President Research and Technology at Neurimmune AG. He has been responsible for management of the entire pre-clinical portfolio in collaboration with the Neurimmune’s CSO up to start of clinical development. He also has overseen the antibody technologies group and bioinformatics. Prior to Neurimmune, Stefan led various global teams in big pharma and biotech companies in Europe and US.  He holds a Ph.D. in infection biology (MPI Infection Biology and Humboldt University Berlin, Germany) .“NovaGo Therapeutics AG is well positioned to translate it’s extensive pre-clinical knowledge in the area of nerve repair to meaningful results for patients. I am very much looking forward to helping the company to transition into a clinical stage and bringing its strong value proposition into partnerships.” said Stefan Moese.

Prof. Martin E. Schwab, PhD, hon. MD, Chairman of the BoD of NovaGo Therapeutics AG Supervisory Board, commented: “As we look to the next phase of evolution for NovaGo, we are very pleased to have been able to recruit Stefan to develop the company to become a major player in the field of regenerative growth of nerve fibers.”