Pluristem Continues to Strengthen its Position in Japan – Granted Two Key Cell Therapy Patents

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:PSTI) (TASE:PLTR), a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy products, today announced that the Japan Patent Office has granted the Company two key patents addressing: 1) Pluristem’s core technology of three-dimensional expansion methods for producing therapeutic cell products derived from placental or fat cells; 2) the use of placenta-derived cells grown with this 3D technology to treat disorders of the hematopoietic system, such as disorders caused by exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, and failed engraftment of hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Pluristem continues to strengthen its IP position in order to support the current negotiations with pharmaceutical companies in Japan regarding potential partnerships for the development and commercialization of its PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells. Pluristem recently received clearance for its protocol for a Phase 2 trial in critical limb ischemia targeting marketing approval in Japan, via Japan’s accelerated regulatory pathway for regenerative medicines.
Patent No. 5733894, titled “Methods for Cell Expansion and Uses of Cells and Conditioned Media Produced Thereby for Therapy”, covers three-dimensional methods of growing adherent placental or adipose cells, and the cells produced by the claimed methods.

Patent No. 5766041, titled “Pharmaceutical Composition for Enhancing Subject Hematopoietic System”, addresses pharmaceutical compositions containing placental stromal cells grown using 3D culturing methods for supporting engraftment of hematopoietic progenitor cells, thus enabling treatment of disorders of the hematopoietic system by promoting the recovery of the immune system and bone marrow function.

“These latest patent grants in Japan fortify our intellectual property position globally, and specifically in the Japanese market, where we are in active negotiations with potential pharmaceutical partners,” stated Pluristem Chairman and CEO Zami Aberman. “Our proprietary process and technology for growing placenta-derived cells within a 3D microenvironment make large scale, cost effective cell therapy production a reality, and IP protection of these methods in Japan is a key asset. The use of these cells to treat disorders of the hematopoietic system is an important indication for PLX cells that is now protected in Japan.”