Racheli Ofir: Development of allogeneic Placenta-derived (PLX) cell therapy- from bench- to bedside

Abstract:
The placenta provides a noncontroversial source of young, healthy cells from which cell therapy products can be obtained. PLX cells are placenta-derived, mesenchymal-like stromal cells for allogeneic use.

Data from multiple in vitroand in vivoexperiments indicate that these cells act via a paracrine/endocrine manner to facilitate healing of damaged tissue. Two lead placenta-derived products- PLX-PAD and PLX-R18, are each in clinical development for several indications. PLX-PAD secrete proteins known to induce angiogenesis and muscle regeneration and modulate the immune system. Phase I/II trials of PLX-PAD in patients with Peripheral Artery Disease and Muscly injury demonstrated safety and potential efficacy of PLX-PAD in these indications. PLX-PAD is currently studied in advanced clinical trials for these indications.

PLX-R18 secretes factors known to enhance regeneration of the Hematopoietic system and is in advanced stages of development under the FDAs animal rule for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and in a Phase I study for support of incomplete engraftment following Bone Marrow transplantation. The presentation will focus on the mechanism of action of the cells and data from animal as well as clinical studies.

Biography:
Vice President of Research and IP for Pluristem Therapeutics Inc., a late stage clinical-stage biotherapy company using placental cells to develop cell therapies for conditions such as inflammation, ischemia, muscle injuries, hematological disorders and exposure to radiation. Heads the research of the cell’s efficacy and safety as well as their mechanism of action by using molecular methods and animal models.

Earned her Ph.D. from the Technion, Israel institute of technology, and did her postdoctoral fellowship at the Technion in molecular embryology investigating genes involved in early development of vertebrates’ nervous system. Has extensive research experience in molecular cell biology, embryology and cytogenetics as well as broad professional experience in the field of human cell therapy.