Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (PSTI) is a leading bio-therapeutics company with research and manufacturing facilities located in Israel. The company derives its products from stem cells which are obtained from the placenta, a non-controversial source unlike embryonic stem cells. The company is seeking to commercialize these non-personalized stem-cell therapy products for the treatment of certain, severe autoimmune disorders.
After obtaining these stem cells, Pluristem literally grows its product in a proprietary PLURI-X bio-reactor and the product is stored “ready-to-use”. The bio-reactor mimics the natural microstructure of bone marrow so supplemental growth materials are not required.
The company’s initial product, called PLX-I, is designed to target the $3 billion market for matching tissue needed for bone marrow transplantation. Pluristem also believes that its PLX cells will be useful in treating a variety of other diseases, and is currently conducting pre-clinical trials for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), and blood cancer.
Pluristem is also currently conducting in vitro trials with its product with regard to Parkinson Disease, and the preliminary results have been promising. The company is also conducting trials for treating ischemic stroke, and seems poised to take advantage of the fast-growing $30 billion therapeutic and regenerative cellular market.
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