|
Pluristem's PLX Cells Show a Statistically Significant Advantage in a
Pre-Clinical Study in the Multiple Sclerosis Model
Monday April 14, 10:00 am
ET
|
|
|
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pluristem Therapeutics
Inc. (NASDAQ:PSTI
- News) (DAX:PJT)
a bio-therapeutics company dedicated to the commercialization of
non-personalized (allogeneic) cell therapy products for a variety of
degenerative, ischemic and autoimmune indications, announced today
that a preclinical study utilizing the Company’s
PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells showed a statistically significant
advantage in ameliorating functional deficiencies in a standard
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) animal model. PLX cells are mesenchymal
stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from the placenta and expanded using
Pluristem’s proprietary 3D PluriX™
technology.
Researchers at Pluristem utilized the Experimental
Autoimmune Encephalitis (EAE) animal model for the study, the
paradigm for MS in humans. After EAE was induced, a number of the
animals were given PLX cells intravenously while the remaining
served as a control. There was a significant reduction in the EAE
score in those animals given PLX cells versus the control group and
this beneficial effect was seen throughout the 25-day duration of
the study. The EAE score is a measurement of functional outcomes in
the EAE-afflicted animal and correlates closely with a histological
improvement in EAE-induced lesions. Additionally, the beneficial
effects were similar to when Zappia et. al. used MSCs that were
non-placental in origin in this EAE animal model†.
Zami Aberman, Pluristem’s
President and CEO said: “We are very
excited that our PLX cells were able to demonstrate beneficial
results that are statistically significant in this standardized
model for Multiple Sclerosis. These results, in addition to our
previously announced PLX STROKE results, demonstrate that PLX cells
may be useful in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS)
disorders and potentially help millions of people. Additionally, we
believe this experiment demonstrates we can potentially utilize our
off-the-shelf, easy to obtain PLX cells and achieve results that are
as good as or better than MSCs obtained from other more difficult to
find sources.”
†Zappia
et. al. Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental autoimmune
encephalitis inducing T cell anergy. Blood. 2005;106:
1755-1761
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated
sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminate, is an
autoimmune
condition in which the immune system attacks the
central nervous system (CNS), leading to
demyelination. Myelin is the insulating sheath that surrounds
nerve cells
(neurons). MS may cause numerous physical and mental symptoms,
and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability. The World
Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2.5 million people
globally suffer from MS, which represents a current market of
approximately $5.4 billion for disease-modifying agents to treat the
disorder.
About Pluristem
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. is a bio-therapeutics
company dedicated to the commercialization of non-personalized
(allogeneic) cell therapy products for the treatment of several
severe degenerative, ischemic and autoimmune disorders. The Company
is developing a pipeline of products, stored ready-to-use, that are
derived from the human placenta, a non-controversial, non-embryonic,
adult stem cell source.
These placental mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are
expanded in the Company’s proprietary
PluriX™ 3D bioreactor, which imitates the
natural microstructure of bone marrow and does not require
supplemental growth factors or other exogenous materials. Pluristem
believes the resultant PLX (PLacental eXpanded) cells are
multi-potent and able to differentiate into a variety of cell types.
Recent evidence also suggests their efficacy may be related to the
secretion of cytokines or other potent immune modulators.
Furthermore, PLX cells are immune privileged and have
immunomodulatory properties, thus protecting the recipient from
immunological reactions that often accompany transplantations.
Pluristem’s first
product, PLX-PAD, is intended to improve the quality of life of
millions of people suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD).
The Company’s PLX-BMT product is intended
to resolve the global shortfall of matched tissue for bone marrow
transplantation (BMT) by improving the engraftment of hematopoietic
stem cells (HSCs) contained in umbilical cord blood (UCB).
PLX-STROKE shows potential to become a new treatment for the
functional recovery from an ischemic stroke.
Pluristem has offices in the USA with research and
manufacturing facilities in Israel.
www.pluristem.com
See our product animation on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFhWXyJT6Us
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and federal
securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on the
current expectations of the management of Pluristem only, and are
subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements. For example, when we say that the
Company’s PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells
showed a statistically significant advantage in ameliorating
functional deficiencies in a standard Multiple Sclerosis (MS) animal
model; that these results, in addition to our previously announced
PLX STROKE results, demonstrate that PLX cells may be useful in the
treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and potentially
help millions of people; that we believe this experiment
demonstrates we can potentially utilize our off-the-shelf, easy to
obtain PLX cells and achieve results that are as good as or better
than MSCs obtained from other more difficult to find sources, we are
using forward looking statements. The following factors, among
others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology
and market requirements; our technology may not be validated as we
progress further and our methods may not be accepted by the
scientific community; we may be unable to retain or attract key
employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our
products; unforeseen scientific difficulties may develop with our
process; results in the laboratory may not translate to equally good
results in real surgical settings; our patents may not be
sufficient; our products may harm recipients; changes in
legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new
technologies, products and applications; loss of market share and
pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause
the actual results or performance of Pluristem to differ materially
from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except
as otherwise required by law, Pluristem undertakes no obligation to
publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements
to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed
description of the risk and uncertainties affecting Pluristem,
reference is made to Pluristem's reports filed from time to time
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.
Investor Contact:
William Prather RPh, MD, Sr. VP Corporate Development
303-883-4954
bill@pluristem.com
Source: Pluristem
Therapeutics Inc.
|
|
|
|
