NeuroScientific appoints top doctor ahead of stem cell therapy rollout
The hire has come at a critical time as the company accelerates the development of its recently acquired StemSmart technology. StemSmart uses a specific type of stem cell, mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSC), as a last-line infusion treatment for critically ill patients, including those experiencing severe immune complications from bone marrow transplants, kidney and lung transplant rejection and the inflammatory Crohn's disease.
The company expects later this year to receive the interim results from its latest compassionate trial involving patients with difficult-to-treat fistulising Crohn's disease, in which an open wound develops from a gut flare-up that extends out to the skin.
A successful trial will help the company validate its proprietary StemSmart technology in this patient group, who otherwise have limited treatment options.
'Cathy's vast experience and leadership will greatly strengthen our management team.'
Neuroscientific Biopharmaceuticals chairman Rob McKenzie
Cole brings extensive experience to the table, having held clinical and academic leadership roles across Australia and overseas, including head of haematology and oncology at Perth Children's Hospital and professor of paediatric haematology and oncology at The University of Western Australia.
She is also director of stem cell transplantation at Perth Children's Hospital, placing her front and centre in NeuroScientific's race to employ stem cell therapy to treat some of the most debilitating transplant complications and autoimmune diseases.
The seasoned physician has additionally served on ethics committees and worked closely with national and international regulators, a skillset the company hopes will prove instrumental as it seeks regulatory approvals for StemSmart in Australia and abroad.
NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals chairman Rob McKenzie said: ' We are very fortunate that Cathy is joining at this key time in the company's evolution. Her vast experience and leadership will greatly strengthen our management team as we progress our SAS fistulas in Crohn's program and make plans for future growth.'
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