HAIFA, Israel, June 25, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (PSTI) (TASE:PLTR), a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapies, today announced it has selected rotator cuff repair as the second indication in its orthopedic clinical program. The Company’s PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells offer potential as the first off-the-shelf cell therapy product for muscle and tendon regeneration that can be used to enhance repair after rotator cuff surgery. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies using engineered cells for the treatment of rotator cuff injuries.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), nearly 2 million patients in the U.S. seek help for their rotator cuff injuries. The incidence of these injuries increases with age, so as the U.S. population ages the prevalence and potential cost burden is likely to grow.
“Following the favorable results of our Phase I/II trial in our first orthopedic indication, the treatment of injured gluteal muscle after total hip replacement, we, together with Key Opinion Leaders in orthopedic surgery, selected rotator cuff repair as an important indication in need of a novel cell therapy solution. We are progressing with our study design, and are considering the addition of a third orthopedic indication,” stated Pluristem CEO Zami Aberman.
“There is a clear and unmet need for a new kind of therapy that can improve the outcome of orthopedic surgery for rotator cuff tears. Our PLX cells can be administered as a simple office procedure. The team of Key Opinion Leaders advising us is particularly excited by the potential of a non-invasive, effective cell therapy for orthopedic indications,” added Aberman.
About Pluristem Therapeutics
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapies. The Company’s patented PLX (PLacental eXpanded) cells are a drug delivery platform that releases a cocktail of therapeutic proteins in response to a host of local and systemic inflammatory and ischemic diseases. PLX cells are grown using the Company’s proprietary 3D micro-environmental technology and are an “off-the-shelf” product that requires no tissue matching prior to administration.
Pluristem has a strong intellectual property position, Company-owned GMP certified manufacturing and research facilities, strategic relationships with major research institutions and a seasoned management team. For more information visit www.pluristem.com, the content of which is not part of this press release.
