Nanotope has screened multiple molecules for in vitro and in vivo efficacy toward neuron regeneration and spinal cord repair. These nanofiber gels are capable of directing the rapid differentiation of immature neuroprogenitor cells into neurons with significant neurite outgrowth. Of particular clinical relevance, Nanotope’s material not only supported cell survival in vitro, but it also depressed astrocyte formation, a cell type implicated in the glial scar formation that contributes to the paralysis associated with spinal cord injury.

In vivo rodent studies are in progress with these materials, and have demonstrated significant reversal of paralysis in a clinically relevant injury model. Nanotope is currently optimizing this material and conducting longer-term animal studies for spinal cord regeneration as well as toxicology testing in preparation for an investigational new drug application to the FDA.

Nanotope is also developing a material using a similar nanofiber platform that promotes the production of vascular endothelium in vitro and greatly increases rates of angiogenesis in vivo. Small animal models have demonstrated that topical application of the compound to a fresh wound bed leads to accelerated healing rates. Given its ability to promote vascular regeneration, this material is also of interest in theraputic applications for myocardial infarct and in peripheral vascular disease.