BrainStorm Stem Cell Therapy Technology Possesses Promising Potential for the Future Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

2009-11-16 14:32:09 -

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (OTCBB:BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies and therapeutics, is pleased to announce that the company’s therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS and Parkinson’s disease, was found to have a positive effect in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In a scientific paper published in the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, Professors Melamed

and Offen’s team from Tel Aviv University studied the effectiveness of human bone marrow derived stem cells induced to differentiate and secrete neurotrophic factors (NTF-SC) as compared to the use of non-differentiated stem cells in a mouse MS model.

“This study demonstrated that the transplantation of the NTF-SC, based on our novel differentiation technology, resulted in a delay of disease onset and increased animal survival in the mouse MS model to a greater extent than transplantation of the non-differentiated stem cells. It was shown that the NTF-SC modulate the immune system and protect neuronal cells from toxic insults. The positive results in the mouse MS model indicates that our new technology may serve as a possible approach for the treatment of MS,” commented Professor Daniel Offen, Brainstorm’s chief scientific advisor.

“This study demonstrates that Brainstorm’s approach for differentiating bone marrow stem cells into NTF-SC, may provide an effective strategy not only for the treatment of ALS and Parkinson’s disease but also for the treatment of MS,” said Rami Efrati, CEO of Brainstorm. “As we approach the start of clinical trials for ALS, the Company and its scientific team will continue to study how our technology can be further utilized in the treatment of MS as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.”

The complete study and scientific paper can be read at www.springerlink.com/content/l62g87h335040787/?p=38a1179501c04d9 .. : cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. .



About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is an emerging company developing adult stem cell therapeutic products, derived from autologous (self) bone marrow cells, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The patent pending technology is based on discoveries made by the scientific team led by Professor Eldad Melamed, former Head of Neurology at Rabin Medical Center, and cell biologist Prof. Daniel Offen, Head of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the Felsenstein Medical Research Center of Tel-Aviv University. The technology allows for the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells into functional neurons and astrocytes, as demonstrated in animal models. The Company holds rights to develop and commercialize the technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd., the technology transfer company of Tel-Aviv University. The Company's current focus is on ALS, although its technology has promise for treating several other diseases including MS, Huntington's disease and stroke.


Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements, including BrainStorm's ability to complete its equity financing transactions previously disclosed. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks associated with BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s limited operating history, history of losses and expectation to incur losses for the foreseeable future; minimal working capital and difficulty raising additional capital, dependence on its license to Ramot's technology; ability, together with its licensor, to adequately protect the technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to identify, negotiate and successfully implement strategic partnering relationships; ability to complete clinical trials successfully and to obtain required regulatory approvals; competition with companies, some of which have greater resources and experience in developing and obtaining regulatory approval for treatments in BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s market; the limited public trading market for BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s stock which may never develop into an active market; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available at www.sec.gov/ : cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww .. or by request to the Company. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us.



BrainStorm Cell TherapeuticsRami Efrati, CEO, +972-3-9236384 efrati@brainstorm-cell.com : mailto:efrati@brainstorm-cell.com