Clinical-grade product made by Protein Production Services will be used in preclinical ALS studies.

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics inked a deal with Israeli firm Protein Production Services for cGMP production of its stem cell therapeutic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The clinical-grade product will be used in a preclinical safety trial.

“As we announced on August 24 after securing new funding, BrainStorm now has both the financing and the production capabilities to achieve our goal of reaching human clinical studies in the coming year,” notes Rami Efrati, CEO.

BrainStorm’s technology allows for the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells into functional neurons and astrocytes, as demonstrated in animal models. It has reportedly been tested on various animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

The firm’s current focus is on ALS and Parkinson’s. The technology can be leveraged for treating other diseases including MS, Huntington’s disease, and stroke, according to BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics.

The company holds rights to develop and commercialize the technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University, the technology transfer arm of the university.

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