BrainStorm's adult stem cell technology has shown efficacy in animal models of Parkinson's disease in previous preclinical trials.
In those studies, stem cells derived from human bone-marrow were differentiated into astrocyte-like cells (supporting cells) and transplanted into mice and rats brains. The engrafted cells survived, kept their function and significantly improved the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease animal models over a long period of time.
The study is being carried out in collaboration with the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) of the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.
BrainStorm's initial focus is on Parkinson's disease, although its technology has promise for treating several others diseases including multiple sclerosis, ALS, Huntington's disease and stroke.