BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BCLI) is a biotechnology company developing innovative autologous stem cell therapies for the treatment of highly debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease (PD). The limited treatment options for these conditions represent unmet medical needs.NurOwn™ is BrainStorm’s patented process to propagate and differentiate autologous adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neurotrophic factor (NTF)-secreting cells, which are then transplanted into or near the affected tissue. Our platform technology essentially converts MSCs into living drug delivery systems of NTFs. Proof-of-concept has been obtained in various animal models of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral nerve injury.Two single-arm clinical trials in ALS patients have been completed in Israel demonstrating good safety and tolerability and importantly, a strong signal of efficacy. We are currently conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial at three sites in the United States. This study will enroll 48 ALS patients randomized 3:1 to NurOwn. Results from this study are expected in 2016. We also plan to conduct a multi-dose ALS study with NurOwn in 2015.