NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV: NRX) announced new preclinical findings demonstrating that its lead drug candidate, ExoPTEN, and naïve exosomes preserve retinal activity following optic nerve injury. The results support advancing the program into larger-animal studies, including a planned rabbit model.

Preclinical efficacy signals

The studies, conducted with Prof. Ygal Rotenstreich’s team at the Goldschleger Eye Institute at Sheba Medical Center, utilized an optic nerve crush model in rats. Electroretinography (ERG) assessments revealed that treated eyes exhibited measurable electrical responses to light, whereas injured eyes in the control group showed significantly weaker responses.

ExoPTEN-treated eyes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in retinal response compared to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control group (p = 0.04). At higher light intensities, the naïve exosome group reached an average response of approximately 5 microvolts (µV), which served as the study’s threshold for a measurable retinal response. The ExoPTEN group exceeded this threshold, while the PBS control group remained below it.

Study metrics and outcomes

The study compared uninjured eyes against injured eyes treated with PBS, naïve exosomes, or ExoPTEN. The primary metric was the STR-ERG amplitude, reflecting retinal ganglion cell-related function.

Note: Statistical significance for ExoPTEN vs. PBS control reported at p = 0.04 using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s correction.

What the numbers show

The data highlights a clear dose-response or efficacy hierarchy where ExoPTEN outperforms both the negative control and, in terms of statistical significance against the control, matches or exceeds the intrinsic activity of naïve exosomes. The fact that naïve exosomes alone reached the measurable threshold of 5 µV suggests inherent biological activity in the base platform, while ExoPTEN’s superior performance reinforces the therapeutic rationale for adding specific cargo. The lack of a reported statistically significant difference between ExoPTEN and naïve exosomes in this specific figure indicates that while ExoPTEN is effective, the baseline exosome platform itself contributes substantially to neural preservation.

Program roadmap

These findings build on previously announced studies showing structural preservation and retinal ganglion cell survival. The next phase involves a proposed rabbit model to evaluate delivery, dosing, tolerability, and safety. The initiation of this study remains subject to final protocol development, funding, and regulatory approvals.

Dr. Lior Shaltiel, Chief Executive Officer of NurExone, stated that the findings support the expansion of the program into the proposed rabbit study. Prof. Rotenstreich noted that treated eyes showed clear, measurable retinal activity, supporting continued development for vision-threatening conditions.

Corrective disclosure

NurExone also corrected disclosure regarding its investor relations agreement with RedChip Companies, Inc. The agreement was dated September 15, 2026, not September 8, 2026, as previously stated. It has a 180-day term beginning September 30, 2026, following TSX Venture Exchange approval.

NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV: NRX) (OTCQB: NRXBF) (FSE: J90) will participate in four major life sciences conferences in Boston from September 22-25, 2026. The engagements aim to advance its U.S. commercial platform and discuss its lead candidate, ExoPTEN.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lior Shaltiel and R&D Director Dr. Tali Kizhner will serve as speakers across the events. The company also announced a new investor relations agreement with RedChip Companies, Inc. for a national television campaign.

Conference Engagements

NurExone’s leadership will address audiences at four distinct forums in Boston. These events target investors, scientists, and pharmaceutical representatives.

At the 8th Exosome-Based Therapeutics Development Summit, Dr. Shaltiel will join a panel on building investor confidence and lead a roundtable on navigating risk-reward clinical validation. Dr. Kizhner will contribute scientific perspectives on translating exosome therapeutics toward clinical development.

During LSX Congress USA, Dr. Shaltiel will participate in a panel titled "Proof to Payoff: Building and Financing Translation-Ready Biotechs" on September 23. The session focuses on fundable milestones and financing structures.

At BioProcess International, Dr. Shaltiel will present on unlocking the regenerative potential of exosomes, focusing on bioprocess development and scalable manufacturing. He will also attend the invitation-only World Medical Innovation Forum, presented by Mass General Brigham and Bank of America.

Investor Relations Agreement

NurExone entered into a non-exclusive investor relations agreement with RedChip Companies, Inc. on September 8, 2026. The agreement is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

RedChip will produce and distribute a 30-second television advertisement for NurExone. The campaign includes 40 airings on either Fox Business National TV or CNBC National TV over a two-week period. NurExone will pay RedChip a one-time cash fee of US$65,000. RedChip will not receive any securities as compensation.

The agreement has an initial 90-day term commencing on the later of September 8, 2026, or the date of TSXV acceptance. RedChip has represented that it does not currently own or control any securities of NurExone.

Corporate Update

These engagements coincide with NurExone’s advancement of ExoPTEN toward clinical development for acute spinal cord injury. The company previously announced a memorandum of understanding with Made Scientific to establish a U.S. manufacturing platform. Dr. Shaltiel will be available for one-on-one investor meetings in New York from September 28 through September 30, 2026.