Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:PSTI) (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
model1.
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."
1. 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-I 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. http://www.pluristem.com
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.
Pluristem
Therapeutics Inc.
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