New Biotech Company, NeuralRegen, Launches to Combat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s with ‘Farm-to-Pharmacy’ Approach

OMAHA, Neb. – A novel collaboration between researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Nebraska farmers, and business leaders has resulted in the launch of NeuralRegen, a biotechnology company focused on halting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The company’s innovative approach centers on utilizing bovine colostrum – the first milk produced by cows after giving birth – and its extracellular vesicles (C-EVs) as a potential treatment pathway.

Parkinson’s Disease Prevalence in the Midwest

Nebraska and Kansas currently have the highest rates of Parkinson’s disease in the United States, with approximately 620 out of every 100,000 people in Nebraska affected, according to data from EPIC Research [1]. Dr. Howard Gendelman, lead researcher at UNMC, suggests this high incidence may be linked to environmental factors related to agriculture, genetics, and the state’s early adoption of a Parkinson’s disease registry [1].

From Farm to Pharmacy: The Role of Bovine Colostrum

The collaboration began with John Oehlerking, a sixth-generation farmer in Elmwood, Nebraska, and his family, who supply colostrum from their cattle to UNMC [1]. Colostrum is rich in vitamins and antibodies beneficial for newborn calves, and researchers believe its extracellular vesicles (C-EVs) may hold therapeutic potential for humans.

“Colostrum is the first milk that comes from the cow after the calf is born,” Oehlerking said. “And we’ve always known that colostrum provides the vitamins and the antibodies for the baby calves.” [1]

The Science Behind the Breakthrough

Dr. Gendelman, who has dedicated 30 years to Parkinson’s disease research, drew inspiration from the known benefits of breast milk to explore the potential of bovine colostrum [1]. Research indicates that C-EVs in colostrum can mitigate the inflammation that damages neurons in Parkinson’s disease models [2]. C-EVs are stabilized by vital nutrients, enabling them to withstand harsh conditions like the stomach’s acidic environment.

NeuralRegen: A New Biotechnology Company

Joel Alperson, chief business officer of NeuralRegen, launched the company after witnessing the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease on his uncle [1]. He sold his previous Omaha business to focus on NeuralRegen’s mission: to produce C-EVs as a cell-based delivery system for pharmaceutical interventions [2]. The company aims to address both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, recognizing the urgent need for effective treatments.

Timeline and Future Outlook

Researchers are currently conducting trials with healthy human volunteers, with plans to expand to individuals with Parkinson’s disease in the future [1]. Dr. Gendelman anticipates a potential product launch within the next six months. The manufacturing process will be based in Omaha, Nebraska, supporting local economic growth.

The Oehlerking family emphasizes the importance of the connection between rural and urban communities in driving innovation. “We’ve just always known that nature helps heal people. So we’re excited that the rural community is helping, getting to support the urban community as well,” said John Oehlerking [1].