GERMANTOWN, Md., June 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neuralstem, Inc. (Nasdaq:CUR), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of central nervous system therapies based on its neural stem cell technology, today announced, in furtherance of its reorganization plans and focus on clinical development, that Richard Daly, the company’s president and chief executive officer, has been appointed chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Daly’s appointment as chairman will allow Dr. Karl Johe, the company’s founder, chief scientific officer and former chairman, to focus exclusively on the development of the company’s product candidates.

“I appreciate the contributions that Dr. Johe has made to Neuralstem as chairman of the board and I look forward to performing my duties as chairman while providing Dr. Johe the freedom to focus exclusively on the development of our product candidates,” said Richard Daly.

Last week, in furtherance of its reorganization plans, Neuralstem disclosed voluntary salary reductions of senior management as well as a reduction in non-employee board member compensation from $200,000 per annum to $100,000 per annum, payable in options, restricted stock or restricted stock units. “In furtherance of our reorganization plans and consistent with the voluntary salary reductions of senior management, the non-employee directors agreed that a reduction in our compensation was in the best interests of Neuralstem and its shareholders,” said Stanley Westreich, Neuralstem’s lead independent director.

About Neuralstem

Neuralstem's patented technology enables the commercial-scale production of multiple types of central nervous system stem cells, which are being developed as potential therapies for multiple central nervous system diseases and conditions.

Neuralstem's ability to generate neural stem cell lines from human hippocampus, which were used for systematic chemical screening for neurogenesis effect, has led to the discovery and patenting of molecules that Neuralstem believes may stimulate the brain's capacity to generate new neurons, potentially reversing pathophysiologies associated with certain central nervous system (CNS) conditions.

The Company has completed Phase 1a and 1b trials evaluating NSI-189, its first neurogenic small molecule product candidate, for the treatment of major depressive disorder or MDD, and is currently conducting a Phase 2 efficacy study for MDD.

Neuralstem's first stem cell product candidate, NSI-566, a spinal cord-derived neural stem cell line, is under development for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neuralstem has completed two clinical studies, in a total of thirty patients, which met primary safety endpoints. In addition to ALS, NSI-566 is also in a Phase 1 study to treat paralysis due to chronic spinal cord injury, as well as in a Phase 1 study to treat paralysis from ischemic stroke.