Pluristem Signs Collaboration Agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific
HAIFA, Israel, July 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:PSTI) (TASE:PSTI), a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy products, announced today that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific to advance fundamental knowledge of cell therapy industrialization and to improve quality control of the end-to-end supply chain.
The collaboration combines Thermo Fisher’s experience in cell therapy development and bioproduction scaleup with Pluristem’s expertise in cell therapy manufacturing, clinical development and quality control. Together, the companies hope to transform cell therapy manufacturing into a large-scale, high capacity industry that will enable the production of millions of therapeutic doses of regenerative medicines.
Currently, over 850 companies worldwide are developing regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. There are more than 900 clinical trials underway, with several approved and marketed products worldwide. This sector holds the promise of addressing many unmet medical needs, but requires a change in the supply chain of equipment, consumables, reagents and storage systems to enable the treatment of millions of patients.
Bryan Poltilove, General Manager of Cell and Gene Therapy at Thermo Fisher, commented, “The cell therapy industry is expanding at an explosive pace, and Thermo Fisher provides total solutions for cell therapy research, development, and manufacturing. We look forward to advancing our relationship with Pluristem to further enable commercial manufacturing and benefit the broader global industry.”
“From early on, our strategy was to build an in-house manufacturing facility. Having achieved that, we are now in a unique position within the industry, and have a broad understanding of its needs. Thermo Fisher, known for its biopharmaceutical infrastructure, materials supply, logistics, and manufacturing expertise is a perfect partner for Pluristem. This initiative has the potential to advance the industry significantly, allowing regenerative medicine to realize its potential, treating millions of patients globally while reducing healthcare spending. We look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership,” stated Pluristem President and Co-CEO Yaky Yanay.
About Pluristem Therapeutics
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. is a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy products. The Company has reported robust clinical trial data in multiple indications for its patented PLX cells and is entering late-stage trials in several indications. PLX cell products release a range of therapeutic proteins in response to inflammation, ischemia, muscle trauma, hematological disorders, and radiation damage. The cells are grown using the Company's proprietary three-dimensional expansion technology and can be administered to patients off-the-shelf, without tissue matching. Pluristem has a strong intellectual property position; Company-owned and operated, GMP-certified manufacturing and research facilities; strategic relationships with major research institutions; and a seasoned management team.
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Efrat Kaduri
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