BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Initiates Stem Cell Safety Study in Primates for Parkinson's Disease
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, a leader in Adult Stem Cell Research, announced today that it has initiated a safety trial using an animal model of Parkinson's disease in primates. The study utilizes BrainStorm's proprietary adult stem cell technology which has shown efficacy in animal models of Parkinson's Disease in previous pre-clinical trials. In those studies, human-bone-marrow-derived stem cells 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. The team at the Movement Disorders Unit at the University has over 20 years experience in researching and applying new therapies to treat Parkinson's Disease, and anticipates being among the first to use BrainStorm's technology to treat patients in its own University Hospital.
Commenting on the announcement, Yoram Drucker, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutic's Chief Operating Officer stated: "We are pleased to have this primate safety study underway and we anticipate that successful results will lead to human clinical trials."
In addition to moving ahead with the company's Parkinson's Disease program, BrainStorm is also progressing with pre-clinical trials applying the company's stem cell technology to the treatment of ALS and Multiple Sclerosis.
About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is an emerging company developing adult stem cell therapeutic products, derived from autologous (self) bone marrow cells, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The NurOwn(TM) patent pending technology is based on discoveries made by the scientific team led by prominent neurologist Professor Eldad Melamed, Head of Neurology at Rabin Medical Center, and expert cell biologist Dr. Daniel Offen, Head of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the Felsenstein Medical Research Center of Tel-Aviv University. The technology allows for the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells into functional neurons and astrocytes, as demonstrated in animal models. The Company holds rights to develop and commercialize the technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd., the technology transfer company of Tel-Aviv University. The Company's initial focus is on Parkinson's disease, although its technology has promise for treating several others diseases including MS, ALS, Huntington's disease and stroke.
About Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) of the University of Navarra
The Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) of the University of Navarra is run by the Foundation for Applied Medical Research, which was established with the encouragement of the University of Navarra Schools of Medicine, Science, Pharmacy and the University Hospital. The mission is to promote basic, translational and clinical research in the fields of health and biomedicine. CIMA is involved in different biomedical projects in the following divisions: Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Cardiovascular Sciences, Neurosciences (Parkinson and Alzheimer) and Oncology.
About Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are non-specialized cells with a remarkable potential for both self-renewal and differentiation into cell types with a specialized function, such as muscle, blood or brain cells. Stem cells can be harvested from fetal or embryonic tissue or from adult tissue reservoirs such as bone marrow. Use of embryonic stem cells is at the center of significant ethical and moral debate. In contrast, use of adult stem cells does not provoke the same moral or legal controversy. Stem cell therapy aims to "cure" disease by replacing the diseased cells with healthy cells derived from stem cells. This approach has the potential to revolutionize medicine and, if successful, the implied commercial opportunities are great. Currently, scientists are exploring both embryonic stem cells (ESC) and adult stem cells (ASC) as the potential basis for multiple cell therapy products.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks associated with BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s limited operating history, history of losses and expectation to incur losses for the foreseeable future; limited cash resources and its need to raise additional capital to execute on its business plan and continue operations; transition issues related to the departure of its CEO; dependence on its license to Ramot's technology and ability to meet its funding and payment obligations included in such license agreement; ability, together with its licensor, to adequately protect the NurOwn(TM) technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to identify, negotiate and successfully implement strategic partnering relationships; ability to complete clinical trials successfully and to obtain required regulatory approvals; competition with companies, some of which have greater resources and experience in developing and obtaining regulatory approval for treatments in BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s market; the limited public trading market for BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s stock which may never develop into an active market; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s annual report on Form 10-KSB, quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB, current reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available at http://www.sec.gov/ or by request to the Company. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us.