The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) program is being conducted under the agreement the company entered into with the Yissum R&D Company, the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Boyce Thompson Institute, which is affiliated with Cornell University.
In the animal study conducted by the company, the plant cell expressed form of the AChE protein demonstrated full protection from organophosphate poisoning, simulating the capacity of the plant cell expressed AChE protein to treat nerve gas and pesticide poisoning. Based on these positive preliminary results, Protalix has extended its agreement with Yissum to include a collaborative research program.