BrainStorm granted key US patent for autologous stem cell technology

The patent (No. 8,663,987) covers BrainStorm’s proprietary stem cells induced to secrete elevated levels of neurotrophic factors for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The neurotrophic factors secreted by the company’s patented cells include glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), known to support the neural cell network by protection of existing motor neurons, promotion of motor neuron growth, and re-establishment of nerve-muscle interaction.

The level of secretion of these factors is several-fold higher in BrainStorm’s patented cells than in non-induced mesenchymal stem cells.

Pending approval from the FDA, the company is currently preparing for its upcoming multi-center Phase II trial in the US with its proprietary NurOwn stem cell therapy, which was developed with these cells.

BrainStorm president and principal executive officer Chaim Lebovits noted that the recent bill introduced to the US Senate to support regenerative medicine research is yet another indication of the increasing recognition that stem cells hold the promise for curing life-threatening and debilitating conditions like ALS.

"We are very encouraged by the bill’s proposal to appoint a council that would develop and maintain a national strategy for the promotion of regenerative medicine research and development, including identifying priorities and sources of funding, as well recommending policies to overcome barriers in research and product development," Lebovits added.

BrainStorm is the exclusive worldwide licensee of this technology from Ramot, the technology transfer company of Tel Aviv University, where it was developed by Dr Daniel Offen and Dr Eldad Melamed, in conjunction with BrainStorm’s scientists.