Biogen Idec study finds neublastin ‘promotes nerve growth’

Injections of the protein neublastin have been found to promote regeneration of damaged sensory nerve cells, which could be applied to the long-term treatment of people suffering from loss of sensory functions.

The research – a collaboration between Biogen Idec, the University of Arizona and Tufts University – found that the neublastin protein acts selectively on sensory neurons to promote nerve growth.

“Sensory nerves entering the spinal cord have minimal capacity to regenerate and severe injury often results in permanent loss of sensory functions,” said pharmacology professor Frank Porreca, senior author on the study.

He added that injections of neublastin showed “dramatic long-term recovery” of both complex motor skills and pain sensation.

Patients in the study were injected with the protein six times over 11 days and demonstrated functional recovery over a six-month period.

Biogen Idec currently has more than 20 biotechnology products in clinical development. The firm is currently constructing a large-scale manufacturing plant in Denmark.