PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells are placenta-derived, mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells that are expanded ex vivo and are designed to be administered to patients without the need for tissue or genetic matching. These cells release soluble biomolecules, such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, which act in a paracrine and endocrine manner to facilitate healing of damaged tissue by stimulating the body’s own regenerative mechanisms.

1) PLX-PAD cells exhibit regenerative potential due to their capacity to release factors in response to chemical distress signals from tissues that have been damaged by muscle trauma or inflammation. These therapeutic factors trigger the body’s repair mechanisms and stimulate tissue renewal, differentiation and modulation of immune-mediated inflammation. PLX-PAD cells also modulate the immune system, which plays a central role in the body’s response to injuries.
PLX-PAD is currently in a Phase III multinational clinical trial in muscle recovery following surgery for hip fracture, and in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of severe COVID-19 cases complicated by ARDS. In addition, an investigator-initiated Phase I/II trial is being conducted with PLX-PAD by Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) for the treatment of steroid-refractory chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD).

2) PLX-R18 cells release a combination of therapeutic proteins in response to a damaged or poorly functioning hematopoietic system; this system creates the blood cells that protect us from infection, uncontrolled bleeding and anemia. PLX-R18 is currently in a Phase I clinical trial to treat incomplete hematopoietic recovery following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) and in development to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS).

Next generation products

3) Induced – PLX cells are induced with different cytokines to alter their secretion profile; PLX-R18 is the first product candidate using this technology. Positive data from Pluristem’s hematology study using PLX-R18 support indication-specific enhancement of cell activity. Pluristem aims to develop additional targeted products using this approach.

4) CRISPR – use of CRISPR technology to genetically modify desired cell functions, ex vivo, in future allogenic placental cell products. This would create genetically-edited PLX cells tailored for treatment of indications with unmet needs.

To learn more about Pluristem’s work and publications, please follow this link: https://www.pluristem.com/scientific-publications/