Pluristem Therapeutics, a developer of placenta-based cell therapies, has been granted a new patent by the Australian Patent Office.
Patent #2007228341 covers the method and composition of matter for three-dimensional (3D) expansion of placental or adipose (fat) stromal cells, Pluristem's key technology platform.
Patent claims also include methods of treatment using placental cells for numerous diseases including graft vs host disease (GvHD), heart disease, stroke, burns, loss of tissue, loss of blood, anemia, and autoimmune disorders. Patents with similar claims have also been granted to Pluristem in Russia and in South Africa. This marks Pluristem's third patent issued in Australia and its 28th patent issued worldwide.
Pluristem's PLacental eXpanded (PLX) PAD cells have been approved for a Phase I study in Australia for the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). United Therapeutics will be conducting the trial under a licensing agreement with Pluristem.
Pluristem chairman and CEO Zami Aberman noted Australia represents a significant and attractive healthcare market for the largest biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
"Because this patent covers manufacturing methods for producing commercial quantities of cells, it is very valuable intellectual property for Pluristem and the patent can be a key asset for potential partnership and licensing opportunities for us in Australia," Aberman added.
Pluristem's Australian patent announced on 8 January 2014 covers the use of adherent placental cells for the treatment of ischemia, which is a restriction of blood supply to tissues, and for treatments of conditions requiring connective tissue repair or regeneration.