Remember Orthocell (ASX: OCC), that company gained 377 per cent in a day when it showed Cel-Gro helped patients with nerve damage regain sensation?

It could be even more powerful than it showed then.

While indeed, the trial showed it helped patients regain nerve sensation, it left one issue unresolved – can it restore nerves to their normal state?

A pre-clinical study suggests yes and shares are up 15 per cent this morning. The study showed rats could completely regenerate nerve fibres when compared with traditional nerve repairing techniques.

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Dr Zoran Pletikosa, who conducted the trial, said CelGro has “shown to produce superior outcomes in restoration of nerve structure and functional recovery when compared to traditional techniques”.

“I am very pleased with the performance of CelGro in this study and excited by its potential.”

Managing director of Orthocell, Paul Anderson, told shareholders he is “thrilled” with the results.

Read More: ‘The sky is the limit’: Here’s what Orthocell chief Paul Anderson had to say after that meteoric rise

“The results reinforce the initial patient outcomes reported from our current human clinical study demonstrating return of sensation and muscle function in affected limbs following CelGro nerve regeneration treatment,” he said.

“Restoring normal nerve structure is critical for regaining mobility, function and quality of life.”

 

In other ASX small cap health news today…

Race Oncology (ASX: RAC) is up 33 per cent this morning after announcing the clinical trial of its anti-cancer drug was well under way. The treatment of the first patient with late stage myelogenous leukemia was complete. Eleven more adults suffering this cancer will undergo the trial. Each patient will receive 250mg per square metre of Bisantrene each day for 7 days.
 
Imagion Biosystems (ASX: IBX) has jumped 11 per cent after announcing it will receive $2 million in research and development tax incentives. This figure is $300,000 higher than the company anticipated. Chairman Bob Proulx said the cash infusion will “significantly enhance our ability to advance the development of our ground-breaking diagnostic imaging technology”.

Only a week ago, its cancer detection technology won FDA designation as a Breakthrough Device.