NervGen Solidifies Leadership, Taps Physician-CEO for Spinal Cord Injury Push

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – February 09, 2026 – NervGen Pharma Corp. has officially removed the “interim” tag from its chief executive’s title, appointing Dr. Adam Rogers as permanent President and CEO in a move that signals a commitment to stability and execution as the company enters a pivotal phase for its lead therapeutic candidate.

The unanimous board decision, effective immediately, solidifies leadership at a critical juncture for the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. NervGen is advancing NVG-291, a potentially revolutionary drug for spinal cord injury (SCI) that has shown unprecedented promise in enabling the nervous system to repair itself, a feat long considered impossible.

Dr. Rogers, who has served as Interim CEO since July 2025, is tasked with guiding the company through late-stage clinical trials and toward potential commercialization. His tenure so far has been marked by significant milestones, including a successful Nasdaq listing that broadened the company’s investor base and raised its profile in the competitive biotech landscape.

“Following a thorough evaluation during Adam’s tenure as Interim CEO, the Board concluded that his leadership has been defined by results,” stated Craig Thompson, an Independent Director at NervGen. “Adam exemplifies the leadership qualities that NervGen requires, bringing the unique perspective of a practicing physician and seasoned biotech executive who understands the complexities and discipline inherent in advancing a novel therapy such as NVG-291.”

A Mission-Driven Physician at the Helm

Dr. Rogers brings a rare and valuable dual-perspective to the CEO role. A board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in retinal surgery and a former Assistant Professor at Tufts Medical Center, he combines deep clinical knowledge with a proven track record in biotech entrepreneurship. This blend of experience is particularly relevant for a company tackling one of modern medicine’s most intractable challenges.

His previous venture, Hemera Biosciences, which he co-founded and led as CEO, developed a one-time gene therapy for a severe form of age-related macular degeneration. The program's success culminated in its acquisition by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, in 2020. That experience—shepherding a novel therapeutic from the lab through clinical development to a major strategic acquisition—provides a blueprint for the path ahead at NervGen.

In the company's official announcement, Dr. Rogers framed his new role as a deeply personal and professional commitment. “My role as CEO represents a mission-driven commitment to execution and to the individuals, families, and communities who are counting on us to achieve meaningful progress,” he said. “That responsibility is deeply personal to me... I am honored to continue leading NervGen forward with the urgency and discipline this moment demands.”

Beyond Hope: The Promise of NVG-291

At the heart of NervGen’s mission is NVG-291. The subcutaneously administered peptide is designed to overcome the biological barriers that prevent nerve regeneration after injury. Following trauma to the central nervous system, inhibitory molecules called chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) form a kind of molecular scar tissue that blocks nerve fibers from regrowing. NVG-291 works by modulating these inhibitors, effectively creating a more permissive environment for the body's own repair mechanisms to kick in.

For decades, the standard of care for SCI has focused on stabilization and extensive rehabilitation, with no approved pharmacologic treatments to restore lost function. NVG-291 aims to change that paradigm. The company’s Phase 1b/2a CONNECT SCI study in patients with chronic injuries—some up to 10 years post-injury—yielded data described as demonstrating “durable improvement in function, independence, and quality of life.”

This prospect of meaningful recovery, even years after an injury, represents a monumental shift for the SCI community. The therapeutic has already garnered significant regulatory attention, receiving Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Orphan Drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), both of which are intended to expedite the development of treatments for serious conditions with high unmet medical need.

Navigating a High-Stakes Market

While the human impact is profound, the strategic and financial stakes are equally high. NervGen’s stock (NASDAQ: NGEN) has seen remarkable momentum, surging over 90% in the past year, reflecting investor optimism in NVG-291’s potential. Dr. Rogers’ confirmation as CEO is expected to further bolster that confidence.

However, like most clinical-stage biotechs, the company is pre-revenue and operates with a significant cash burn to fund its ambitious research and development programs. The successful Nasdaq listing under Rogers' interim leadership was a crucial step in securing the capital necessary to advance NVG-291 into a costly and complex Phase 3 trial for chronic SCI, for which preparations are now underway.

In connection with his appointment, Dr. Rogers was granted over 717,000 stock options, vesting over four years. This equity award aligns the new CEO’s long-term interests directly with those of shareholders, tying his compensation to the company's future success.

With its leadership structure now solidified and its pioneering therapeutic advancing, NervGen stands at a critical crossroads. The company must now execute a flawless late-stage clinical program to translate the promise shown in early trials into the robust data required for regulatory approval, a process that will be watched with intense hope by patients, physicians, and investors alike.