Neuraminidase for spinal cord injury

Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have shown that treatment with a recombinant bacterial neuraminidase can promote the recovery of motor and autonomic function in a rat model of spinal cord contusion injury.¹ The data suggest the enzyme, better known as a target of flu drugs, could provide a therapeutic option for spinal cord injury in humans.

The neuraminidase is easy to produce and stable at body temperatures for at least two weeks-factors that could make it an attractive development candidate. Neuraminidase is also called sialidase...