Pluristem’s PLX cells found effective against inflammatory bowel disease

PLacental eXpanded cells (PLX) cells are Pluristem’s placental-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that have been expanded in the company’s proprietary PluriX 3-D bioreactor.

Mice and rats each received intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), a standard method for inducing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in animal models. The macroscopic and microscopic anti-inflammatory effects of the intravenous administration of PLX-IBD cells were then evaluated and compared to control animals that received only saline. PLX-IBD cell therapy significantly reduced the TNBS-induced colon lesions both in the macroscopic and microscopic evaluations compared to the control animals and to animals given therapy that is currently the standard of care in IBD.

Zami Aberman, Pluristem’s president and CEO, said: “This trial’s favorable results, which demonstrate our PLX cells’ ability to treat inflammatory bowel disease, as well as our previous studies indicating their potential use to help multiple sclerosis patients, show the potential for our PLX cells to treat global autoimmune diseases.”