Neuroplast is a company based in Maastricht (the Netherlands) developing autologous stem cell therapies for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and traumatic brain injury.

Recently, the company has raised 4 million from Dutch-based Brightlands Venture Partners and LIOF and from an existing shareholder and informal investor Lumana Invest BV.

CEO Johannes de Munter said:

The financing and support of the investors will enable us to perform multicenter clinical trials in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Spain and bring the product to market.

This Dutch startup will use the fund to perform a phase II/III clinical trial with the aim of obtaining conditional market approval for the treatment of patients suffering from Spinal Cord Injury.

Founded by physician Hans de Munter and neurologist Erik Wolters in 2014, Neuroplast has expanded with Juliette van den Dolder, who was appointed as COO and management team member.

In the case of SCI, isolating, manufacturing, and reinserting patients own cells, very promising preclinical outcomes have resulted in an Orphan Drug Designation from European regulatory authorities, allowing a fast-track procedure for the clinical trials. These trials are expected to start in March 2020.

Marcel Kloosterman Director at Brightlands Venture Partners:

Neuroplast combines breakthrough science with a solid management team. In a sizable market characterised by major unmet need, successful treatment of (accident caused) paralysed patients would make life so much easier for them and their families while lowering the burden and costs for the society.

Yearly, 24,500 people in Europe and the USA are diagnosed with Spinal Cord Injury, usually caused by accident. Its worth mentioning that for Europe and the US, the medical cost associated with Spinal Cord Injury is over 13 bn per year.

CEO Johannes de Munter adds:

Neuroplast is becoming an ATMP player in the region and wants to contribute to our beautiful eco-system.

Main image credits:Neuroplast

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Dutch startup Neuroplast raises 4M for its stem cell-based technology to treat patients with Spinal Cord Injury - Silicon Canals