New York, N.Y.-based Pluristem Life Systems, Inc. (PLRS) (DAX: PJT), said on June 14 that studies have shown that its PLacenta eXpanded (PLX) cells have properties in vitro that give the cells the potential to treat Parkinson's disease.
PLX cells are Pluristem's placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that have been expanded in the company's proprietary PluriX 3-D bioreactor.
Parkinson's is a well characterized degenerative neurological disease whose symptoms are felt to be related to damage to dopamine-producing cells in the central nervous system (CNS).
"These preliminary results are encouraging,” said CEO Zami Aberman. “We intend to pursue further in vitro and in vivo studies with our PLX cells in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease as well as other disorders of the central nervous system. As a cellular therapy for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases, our PLX cells could be a readily available source of important enzymes, neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors."
The company said it believes their future products will participate in the approximate $30 billion therapeutic and regenerative cellular market.
The in vitro assay demonstrated that Pluristem's PLX cells can be differentiated into dopaminergic neurons.
These neurons were found to have properties favorable to cells, which are known to be helpful in treating Parkinson’s.
These properties include the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, and the finding of elevated nurr1 mRNA levels.
Additionally, these neurons were found to secrete favorable neurotrophic factors such as GDNF, BDNF, IGF-1, and astrocytes markers such as S-100-b, GLUL, and GFAP.
Pluristem is focused on commercialization of non-personalized (allogeneic) stem cell therapy products for the treatment of severe degenerative, malignant and autoimmune disorders.
Contact: William Prather, 303-883-4954, bill@pluristem.com, http://www.pluristem.com
