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Pluristem's PLX-MS Shows Potential Benefit in the
Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis
Monday August 11, 7:00 am ET |
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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pluristem
Therapeutics Inc. (NasdaqCM: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, today announced that the Company’s
PLacental eXpanded (PLX-MS) cells have
demonstrated in vivo efficacy in the
prevention of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). PLX cells
are Pluristem’s
placental-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
that have been expanded in the Company’s
proprietary PluriX™
3-D bioreactor.
In a further analysis aiming to
demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of PLX-MS
cells for the prevention of MS, Experimental
Autoimmune Encephalitis (EAE) was induced in
mice via immunization with the MOG35-55
protein on day 0. EAE is an autoimmune
inflammatory disease of the CNS that represents
the paradigmatic model for MS. The animals then
received, on day 8, intravenously either PLX-MS
or PlasmaLyte, which served as a control. PLX-MS
administration prevented the appearance of
clinical symptoms and signs associated with MS
throughout the 35-day study period compared to
those animals receiving the control.
Additionally, the beneficial effects were
similar to when Zappia et. al. used MSCs that
were non-placental in origin in this EAE animal
model†.
Mr. Zami Aberman, Pluristem’s
President and CEO, commented:
“This trial’s
remarkable results demonstrated our PLX-MS cells’
ability to prevent the appearance of multiple
sclerosis symptoms and showed the potential for
our PLX cells to treat global autoimmune
diseases. As a cellular therapy, our PLX cells,
which are derived from human placenta, a
non-controversial, non-embryonic, adult stem
cell source, and stored ready-to-use, could
prove to be a readily available preventive
therapeutic alternative for these disorders."
Pluristem is initiating repeated
sets of EAE experiments at the
Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative
Therapy (BCRT) at Charité
- University Medicine Berlin, one of the largest
independent clinical research centers in Europe.
†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 human placenta, a
non-controversial, non-embryonic, adult stem
cell source.
These placental mesenchymal
stromal cells (MSCs) are expanded in the
Company's proprietary PluriXTM
3D bioreactor, which imitates the natural
microstructure of bone marrow and does not
require supplemental growth factors or other
exogenous materials. Pluristem believes that 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 in
development, PLX-PAD, is intended to improve the
quality of life of millions of people suffering
from peripheral artery disease (PAD). The
Company's products in development also include
PLX-BMT, targeting 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; PLX-STROKE, targeting
ischemic stroke; PLX-MS, targeting Multiple
Sclerosis; and PLX-IBD, targeting Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s
disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Pluristem has offices in the USA
with research and manufacturing facilities in
Israel.
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. For example, when we
say that the trial’s
remarkable results demonstrated our PLX-MS cells’
ability to prevent the appearance of multiple
sclerosis symptoms and showed the potential for
our PLX cells to treat global autoimmune
disease, or that as a cellular therapy, our PLX
cells could prove to be a readily available
preventive therapeutic alternative for these
disorders, we are using forward-looking
statements. 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. 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.
For more information visit our
website at
www.pluristem.com, the content of which is
not part of this press release.
Contact:
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.
William Prather RPh, MD, 303-883-4954
Sr. VP Corporate Development
bill@pluristem.com
Source: Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.
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