Sovateltide (ILR-1620) improves motor function and reduces hyperalgesia in a rat model of spinal cord injury.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) presents a major global health challenge, with rising incidence and substantial disability. While progress has been made in understanding SCI's pathophysiology and early management, there is still a lack of effective treatments to mitigate long-term consequences. This study investigates the potential of sovateltide, a selective endothelin B (ETB) receptor agonist, in improving clinical outcomes in an acute SCI rat model. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham surgery (Group A) or spinal cord injury (SCI) and treated with vehicle (Group B) or sovateltide (Group C). Clinical tests, including Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scoring, inclined plane, and allodynia testing with Von Frey Hair, were performed at various time points. Statistical analyses assessed treatment effects. Results: Sovateltide administration significantly improved motor function, reducing neurological deficits and enhancing locomotor recovery compared to vehicle-treated rats, starting from day 7 post-injury. Additionally, the allodynic threshold improved, suggesting anti-nociceptive properties. Notably, the sovateltide group demonstrated sustained recovery, and even reaching pre-injury performance levels, while the vehicle group plateaued. Conclusions: This study suggests that sovateltide may offer neuroprotective effects, enhancing neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Furthermore, it may possess anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties. Future clinical trials are needed to validate these findings, but sovateltide shows promise as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve functional outcomes in SCI. Sovateltide, an ETB receptor agonist, exhibits neuroprotective properties, enhancing motor recovery and ameliorating hyperalgesia in a rat SCI model. These findings could pave the way for innovative pharmacological interventions for SCI in clinical settings.