Pluristem’s PLX Cells Show a Statistically Significant Advantage in a Pre-Clinical Study in the Multiple Sclerosis Model

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. has announced that a preclinical study utilizing the Company’s PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells showed a statistically significant advantage in ameliorating functional deficiencies in a standard Multiple Sclerosis (MS) animal model. PLX cells are mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from the placenta and expanded using Pluristem’s proprietary 3D PluriX™ technology.

Researchers at Pluristem utilized the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalitis (EAE) animal model for the study, the paradigm for MS in humans. After EAE was induced, a number of the animals were given PLX cells intravenously while the remaining served as a control. There was a significant reduction in the EAE score in those animals given PLX cells versus the control group and this beneficial effect was seen throughout the 25-day duration of the study.

The EAE score is a measurement of functional outcomes in the EAE-afflicted animal and correlates closely with a histological improvement in EAE-induced lesions. Additionally, the beneficial effects were similar to when Zappia et. al. used MSCs that were non-placental in origin in this EAE animal model.

Zami Aberman, Pluristem’s President and CEO said: “We are very excited that our PLX cells were able to demonstrate beneficial results that are statistically significant in this standardized model for Multiple Sclerosis. These results, in addition to our previously announced PLX STROKE results, demonstrate that PLX cells may be useful in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and potentially help millions of people."

Aberman continued, "Additionally, we believe this experiment demonstrates we can potentially utilize our off-the-shelf, easy to obtain PLX cells and achieve results that are as good as or better than MSCs obtained from other more difficult to find sources.”