Pluristem's Proprietary PLX Cells Demonstrate Promising Potential in Treating Autoimmune Disorders
NEW YORK, Nov 27, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB:PSTI) (DAX:PJT), a leading bio-therapeutics Company dedicated to the commercialization of non-personalized (allogeneic) cell therapy products for a variety of malignant, ischemic and autoimmune disorders, announced today that in vitro testing of its PLacenta eXpanded (PLX) cells demonstrated the potential to treat autoimmune disorders. This testing showed a significant reduction of TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma inflammatory cytokines that are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Reducing TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma is considered a key factor in mitigating the symptoms of autoimmune disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Crohn's Disease and Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes.
"We are excited that our PLX cells demonstrate the potential to treat autoimmune disorders," said Zami Aberman, Pluristem's President and CEO. "The strong anti-inflammatory results show that our PLX cells may have the capability to help millions of patients and represent an additional potential multi-billion dollar market for our PLX cells. These impressive results suggest that our 3D-expanded placental cells could become an allogeneic, non-controversial source for stem cell therapeutics in the future."
About Pluristem
Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. is a Company dedicated to the commercialization of non-personalized (allogeneic) stem cell therapy products for the treatment of numerous severe degenerative, malignant and autoimmune disorders. The Company's first product, PLX-I, is directed at resolving 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).
Pluristem's products are derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from the placenta and not from embryonic stem cells. They are expanded in the Company's proprietary PluriX(TM) 3D bioreactor that imitates the natural microstructure of bone marrow and does not require supplemental growth factors, cytokines or other exogenous materials. Pluristem believes the resultant expanded cells, termed PLX cells, are multi-potent and able to differentiate into a variety of cell types as well as being immune-privileged to protect the recipient from immunological reactions that often accompany transplantation.
Pluristem has offices in the USA with research and manufacturing facilities in Israel. For more information, please visit our website at www.pluristem.com, the content of which is not part of this press release. |
