Pluristem's PLX-MS Shows Potential Benefit in the Prevention of Multiple Sclerosis

Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (NasdaqCM:PSTI) (DAX:PJT) a bio-therapeutics company dedicated to the commercialization of non-personalized (allogeneic) cell therapy products for a variety of degenerative, ischemic and autoimmune indications, today announced that the Company’s PLacental eXpanded (PLX-MS) cells have demonstrated in vivo efficacy in the prevention of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). PLX cells are Pluristem’s placental-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that have been expanded in the Company’s proprietary PluriX™ 3-D bioreactor. In a further analysis aiming to demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of PLX-MS cells for the prevention of MS, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalitis (EAE) was induced in mice via immunization with the MOG35-55 protein on day 0. EAE is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the CNS that represents the paradigmatic model for MS. The animals then received, on day 8, intravenously either PLX-MS or PlasmaLyte, which served as a control. PLX-MS administration prevented the appearance of clinical symptoms and signs associated with MS throughout the 35-day study period compared to those animals receiving the control. Additionally, the beneficial effects were similar to when Zappia et. al. used MSCs that were non-placental in origin in this EAE animal model†. Mr. Zami Aberman, Pluristem’s President and CEO, commented: "This trial’s remarkable results demonstrated our PLX-MS cells’ ability to prevent the appearance of multiple sclerosis symptoms and showed the potential for our PLX cells to treat global autoimmune diseases. As a cellular therapy, our PLX cells, which are derived from human placenta, a non-controversial, non-embryonic, adult stem cell source, and stored ready-to-use, could prove to be a readily available preventive therapeutic alternative for these disorders." Pluristem is initiating repeated sets of EAE experiments at the Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapy (BCRT) at Charité - University Medicine Berlin, one of the largest independent clinical research centers in Europe. †Zappia et. al. Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalitis inducing T cell anergy. Blood. 2005;106: 1755-1761 About Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminate, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS), leading to demyelination. Myelin is the insulating sheath that surrounds nerve cells (neurons). MS may cause numerous physical and mental symptoms, and often progresses to physical and cognitive disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2.5 million people globally suffer from MS, which represents a current market of approximately $5.4 billion for disease-modifying agents to treat the disorder. About Pluristem Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. is a bio-therapeutics company dedicated to the commercialization of non-personalized (allogeneic) cell therapy products for the treatment of several severe degenerative, ischemic and autoimmune disorders. The Company is developing a pipeline of products, stored ready-to-use, that are derived from human placenta, a non-controversial, non-embryonic, adult stem cell source. These placental mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are expanded in the Company's proprietary PluriXTM 3D bioreactor, which imitates the natural microstructure of bone marrow and does not require supplemental growth factors or other exogenous materials. Pluristem believes that the resultant PLX (PLacental eXpanded) cells are multi-potent and able to differentiate into a variety of cell types. Recent evidence also suggests their efficacy may be related to the secretion of cytokines or other potent immune modulators. Furthermore, PLX cells are immune privileged and have immunomodulatory properties, thus protecting the recipient from immunological reactions that often accompany transplantations. Pluristem's first product in development, PLX-PAD, is intended to improve the quality of life of millions of people suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD). The Company's products in development also include PLX-BMT, targeting the global shortfall of matched tissue for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) by improving the engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) contained in umbilical cord blood; PLX-STROKE, targeting ischemic stroke; PLX-MS, targeting Multiple Sclerosis; and PLX-IBD, targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Pluristem has offices in the USA with research and manufacturing facilities in Israel. See our product animation on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFhWXyJT6Us Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and federal securities laws. For example, when we say that the trial’s remarkable results demonstrated our PLX-MS cells’ ability to prevent the appearance of multiple sclerosis symptoms and showed the potential for our PLX cells to treat global autoimmune disease, or that as a cellular therapy, our PLX cells could prove to be a readily available preventive therapeutic alternative for these disorders, we are using forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Pluristem only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; our technology may not be validated as we progress further and our methods may not be accepted by the scientific community; we may be unable to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties may develop with our process; results in the laboratory may not translate to equally good results in real surgical settings; our patents may not be sufficient; our products may harm recipients; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause the actual results or performance of Pluristem to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Pluristem undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risk and uncertainties affecting Pluristem, reference is made to Pluristem's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information visit our website at www.pluristem.com, the content of which is not part of this press release.