PERTH: NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (ASX:NSB) announced plans to acquire StemSmart™, a patented stem cell technology from Isopogen WA Ltd., aimed at developing treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, including refractory Crohn’s disease.
The acquisition, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, includes binding agreements with key Isopogen shareholders holding 51.4% of the company’s shares. NeuroScientific will issue 85.7 million shares and up to 57.1 million performance-linked shares upon achieving clinical milestones.
Early Phase 2 trial data showed StemSmart™-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were safe and effective in 78% of Crohn’s disease patients, with 44% achieving remission. The therapy modulates immune responses and reduces inflammation, offering potential for conditions like kidney transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
The global market for Crohn’s disease treatments is projected to reach $13.8 billion by 2026. NeuroScientific plans an immediate Special Access Program for fistulising Crohn’s disease, followed by Phase 1/2 trials.
A $3.5 million capital raising will support the initiative. Proposed board appointments include Isopogen directors Robert McKenzie and Paul Fry, with Marian Sturm as chief scientific adviser.
NeuroScientific’s director, Dr. Anton Uvarov, called the deal a “strategic leap into next-generation biologics,” citing recent FDA approvals of MSC therapies as a catalyst for growth.
Completion is targeted for mid-June 2025.