Dr. Daniel Offen, Brainstorm Chief Scientist, and the study’s principal investigator "BrainStorm’s NTF cells are generated from adult human bone marrow derived stem cells, and intended for autologous transplantation in Parkinson’s patients. The cells produce and secrete neurotrophic factors, which are essential for the survival and outgrowth of neurons, and may become beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases."

How it was done

The brains of lab rats were lesioned by using the 6OHDA toxin, in order to mimic the motor dysfunction of parkinsonian patients.

The rats were divided into three groups: one group was transplanted with BrainStorm NTF cells, another with undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells and the third group was used as control.

The motor functions of the rats were repeatedly measured for 45 days, followed by brain histology.

The results showed statistically significant improvement in NTF rats’ motor functions, as compared to the mesenchymal cell group and the controls.

There was lesser degree dopamine neurons destruction in the NTF-treated group.

The NTF cells increased the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine (a low amount of which causes Parkinson).

The researchers also detected, 45 days post-transplantation, viable transplanted cells which migrated toward the impaired portion of the affected brain.

The Company believes that this is evidence of the integration ability of BrainStorm’s cells in the damaged brain. This is the second study completed using BrainStorm’s cells that produced similar results.

Prof. Eldad Melamed, Chairman of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board and the Company’s Chief Medical Advisor commented, "The study indicates that our cells show survival, integration and clinical efficacy. When considering the advantages of using adult stem cells, which are easy to harvest, autologous, do not create tumor problem and do not present the moral/ religious issues that are often discussed with embryonic stem cells, we remain optimistic that we will soon be able to embark on clinical trials in Parkinson’s disease."