Pluristem Files Patent Application For Expanding Hematopoeitic Stem Cells (HSC) and Early Progenitor Cells from Cord Blood Non Selected Mono-Nuclear Cells (MNC)

Wednesday February 8, 7:30 am ET

Pluristem Life Systems, Inc. (OTC BB:PLRS - News), a biotechnology company dedicated to the expansion of stem cells from umbilical cord blood to address a myriad of fatal illnesses, today announced that a patent application has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office for a new procedure for expanding Hematopoeitic Stem Cells (HSC) and early progenitor cells from Cord blood from non selected mono-nuclear cells (MNC) of the cord blood.

The methodologies used in current HSC expansion protocols apply a selection stage before the enrichment stage where the input cell population is defined by the expression of a cell membrane marker - CD34. This is a rare subpopulation of cells that are selected from large and mixed populations of mononuclear cells.

The selection process is associated with several drawbacks. First, it causes a substantial loss of source cells. Second and most importantly, the selected population of cells may not represent the earliest extractable population of HSC. Pluristem's expansion protocol is intended to overcome both hurdles by using cord blood from non-selected MNC to fuel the enrichment process.

This approach allows Pluristem to independently utilize two already patent protected processes: the selection of CD34 cells and use of proprietary manufactured cytokines.

Pluristem's advanced method for expanding target HSC population from cord blood is a two-fold approach. First, a state-of-the-art patented bioreactor mimicking the natural bone marrow environment is used. Second, MNC rather than CD34 selected cells are targeted as the starting source of HSC. The efficacy of the expansion process that utilizes non-selected MNC of the cord blood is superior to what is currently being achieved by using CD34 selected cells as the starting population of cells.

"This application represents the broadening of Pluristem's already strong and broad patent position in the area of stem cell expansion. Unique to Pluristem's approach in the arena is the 'human'-like bone marrow environment and the identification and use of CD34 marker stem cells - clearly providing Pluristem with a potentially highly favorable competitive stance in our industry," stated Zami Aberman, Pluristem's CEO.

For more information, visit the Company's website at: www.pluristem.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward-looking statements". Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Pluristem Life Systems, Inc., and members of our management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding Pluristem independently utilizing two already patent protected processes to overcome drawbacks in current processes; that the efficacy of the expansion process that utilizes non-selected MNC of the cord blood is superior to what is currently being used by others; that Pluristem has a strong and broad patent position in the area of stem cell expansion; that we have a potentially highly favorable competitive stance in our industry. and that our technology offers opportunities for therapeutic products. Actual outcomes and our actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements, as we may find that our processes do not work as well in practice as in theory; we may encounter side effects or other adverse consequences of using our technology; our current patents may be attacked and defeated in patent proceedings; our patent filings may be rejected by the patent offices; other companies may discover and develop better or cheaper technologies that would render our processes obsolete; and we may not have sufficient funding to develop our technology. As well, our products may never develop into useful products and even if they do, they may not be approved for sale to the public. For further risk factors see the Company's latest 10-KSB filed with the SEC.


 

Source: Pluristem Life Systems, Inc.