Northern Accelerator is proud to celebrate the success of Nevrargenics, the Durham University spinout developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, which has been awarded Project of the Year at the 2025 Bionow Awards.
Honoured under the wings of the iconic Concorde in Manchester, the award recognises the significant breakthrough represented by Nevrargenics’ lead drug candidate, Ellorarxine (NVG0645)—described by judges as a “major step forward” for patients living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS).
Their pioneering approach, moving towards rational drug design and neurorepair, has the potential to transform how neurodegenerative diseases are treated globally.
Northern Accelerator’s role in their journey
Nevrargenics’ success story began with academic founder Professor Andy Whiting, whose research at Durham University demonstrated remarkable potential to deliver new therapies where current treatment options remain limited. Recognising the commercial opportunity, he turned to Northern Accelerator to help accelerate the company’s development.
Through our Executives into Business programme, Nevrargenics recruited Chief Business Officer Dimitri Dimitriou and Chairman James Bromhead, both bringing decades of international expertise.
Alongside this, our Proof‑of‑Concept funding enabled the team to advance pre‑clinical work, prepare for investor engagement, and scale early-stage drug development.
Professor Whiting said:
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of Northern Accelerator. To say it had a transformative impact on our work is no overstatement.
Going from strength to strength
Nevrargenics is now progressing towards a first‑in‑human clinical trial for ALS following scientific advice from the MHRA. With growing investment and a strong leadership team, the company is well positioned to accelerate the development of new treatments—bringing hope to millions living with neurodegenerative conditions.
