The company is developing PLX cells, which are Pluristem’s placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells that have been expanded in the company’s proprietary PluriX 3-D bioreactor.
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 PD. 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 chairman and CEO, Zami Aberman commented: “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.”
Pluristem believes its future products will participate in the approximate $30 billion therapeutic and regenerative cellular market.