Argenica Therapeutics (ASX:AGN) said that its ARG-007 neuroprotective peptide drug candidate "significantly" reduced damage to brain cells caused by moderate traumatic brain injury in a preclinical rat study, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.
The study assessed ARG-007 regarding the reduction of axonal injury and neuroinflammation seen following moderate traumatic brain injury and resulting behavioral outcomes.
It was found to protect brain cells in the injured brain by reducing axonal injury following injury, as measured by key axonal injury biomarkers neurofilament heavy protein and amyloid precursor protein.
The animals treated with the candidate also showed signs of improvement in a motor function test as well as a significant reduction in weight loss.
The data verifies data received from previous studies.
The firm's shares rose past 1% in recent trading on Tuesday.