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Gamida-Cell Study Data Shows That Expanded Populations of Stem Cells Are Efficient in Treating Heart Disease

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 April 2004, 06:00 CDT

Three sets of pre-clinical results to be presented at the 10th Annual

Meeting of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) 2004

in Dublin

¶ Gamida-Cell (www.gamida-cell.com) announced today it shall present the successful pre-clinical results of three different stem cell expansion studies at the 10th Annual Meeting of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) 2004 in Dublin, May 7-10, 2004. ¶ In an oral address, Gamida-Cell shall present the results of its cardiac research, which shows that the injection of expanded populations of human stem cells improves cardiac function in animals that have suffered a heart attack. The abstract detailing the results of this study recently received the 2004 "Best Abstracts Award" by the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. ¶ The results of two additional research initiatives will be cited in poster presentations: one pertaining to bone marrow, the other to copper chelators. The former reports that expanded populations of stem cells derived from bone marrow may provide an alternative treatment source for patients suffering from cardiac ischemia. The larger quantity of bone marrow stem cells reportedly makes the difference in securing a positive outcome, especially when the bone marrow of a patient is unable to independently produce the necessary amount of healthy progenitor cells required for treatment. The second poster will detail the role of the copper chelator in the self-renewal capacity of early progenitor cells during ex vivo expansion. A structure-function study was conducted with high affinity copper chelators of different chemical structures. The results indicate that the copper-chelation capacity of the compounds together with the chemical structure adopted by the molecule in the presence of copper are important factors in determining their capacity to enhance the self-renewal of stem cells. ¶"Gamida-Cell has a very strong technology platform with which to build a long line of stem cell expansion products to fill vast unmet clinical needs. Today, we have presented scientific proof to support to this effect. We shall continue in this pursuit both independently as well as in partnership with likeminded pharmas and, VCs interested in investing in biotechnology. Our pre-clinical data has been outstanding; we are hoping for the same from both of our Phase I/II leukemia and cardiac trials," said Gamida-Cell CEO Mr. Ehud Marom.

¶ About Gamida-Cell

¶ Gamida-Cell Ltd. (www.gamida-cell.com) is a leader in the expansion of hematopoietic (blood) stem cell therapeutics in clinical development for cancer and autoimmune diseases, as well as future regenerative cell-based medicines including cardiac and pancreatic repair. The company is currently engaged in an IND Phase I/II study of its flagship product StemEx(R) for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma at M. D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. StemEx(R) utilizes a small molecule that enables large-scale, self-renewal of stem/progenitor cells ex vivo in a reasonably short time. The combined market potential of Gamida-Cell's stem cell expansion products is estimated at $40 billion worldwide. This includes: Umbilical cord blood stem cells as well as stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood and adult organs like the liver and heart in addition to skin, neural and pancreatic tissue. Gamida-Cell, which has an existing strategic agreement in place with TEVA following an equity investment, is interested in establishing partnerships with those in the biotechnology interested in a joint venture or strategic alliance to further Gamida-Cell's existing line of products, to launch or integrate into existing clinical trials, or to use Gamida-Cell's technology platform to compliment and/or further the existing product development plans of a partner. Gamida-Cell is looking for investors interested in taking an active part in the next financing round as well as companies that are interested in cellular therapy and clinical development, which have a strong presence in the pharmaceutical market or in the medical devices market.

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