Pluristem Therapeutics receives European Patent on core 3D cell expansion technology

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:PSTI) (DAX:PJT) today announced that it has been granted a European Patent on its core 3D cell expansion technology. The granting of the European patent follows the issuance of several corresponding US patents as well as corresponding patents in ten additional jurisdictions. A divisional application of the now granted European application has been timely filed. In addition to these granted patents, Pluristem's portfolio consists of 39 pending patent applications on the methods for production and expansion of stromal, progenitor and hematopoietic cells and the use of the obtained cells for the treatment of numerous severe degenerative, ischemic and autoimmune disorders in human subjects and for veterinary regenerative uses.

"Our strong patent position further strengthens our competitive advantage as we move forward in realizing the full potential of our PLX cell therapy in the treatment of critical limb ischemia and other diseases," said Zami Aberman, chairman and CEO of Pluristem.

Pluristem's 3D bioreactor system, PluriX^TM, promotes the rapid and fully controlled reproducible expansion of adherent stromal cells. Unlike conventional two-dimensional (2D) culturing methods, the company's PluriX^TM bioreactor creates a 3D microenvironment that closely resembles the structure and function of the body's natural environment. PluriX^TM is a scalable and very efficient system. For example, a 75-liter bioreactor is equivalent to more than 20,000 2D conventional culturing flasks and enables Pluristem to treat hundreds of patients from just one bioreactor.