The identification of specific cell markers and characteristics of stem cells has been only partially successful thus far. Several specific cell molecules are currently in use for stem cell isolation, but there is no agreement on unique markers and "stemness signatures". For example, bone marrow transplants have succeeded using stem cells selected by "specific markers" which function is poorly characterized and none are distinctive.

The SME developed an alternative way to select stem cells: selection by function. Cell death (apoptosis) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cell growth in the fetus and adult. The resistance to death is an intrinsic mechanism in a variety of stem cells and disappears upon differentiation and proliferation.

Through intensive laboratory work, the SME formulated a procedure that exploits this resistant characteristic of stem cells so that they survive treatment while other cells undergo apoptosis. The procedure involves binding of cell surface receptors that normally signal cell death in differentiating and proliferating cells, thereby providing the means for isolation of stem cells from non-stem cells. Since stemness is basically a state in which some cells can get into and out from, using the functional characteristics of a stem cells makes much more sense when trying to isolate these populations.

Selection by function was tested by the SME in two different areas:
"Bone marrow before transplantation for malignancy. The procedure was tested in both In-Vitro and In-Vivo conditions in mouse models and was found to increase tolerance and reduce side effects of bone marrow transplantation."Treatment of autoimmune Diabetes (juvenile diabetes). The procedure was used in NOD mice and has shown recovery from full blown diabetes as well as delayed onset of overt diabetes in pre-diabetic mice.

These two products are ready for formal pre clinical and clinical development.

Innovative Aspects:
Innovations:
"Isolation system based on functional and not morphologic aspects of stem cells, allowing more physiological cell selection."Efficient elimination of non-stem cells leading to improved clinical outcome."Multiple applications in unmet clinical needs "Wide patent protection"No modification or genetic manipulation of stem cell hence relatively short time to market. "The ability to better enrich a given cell population means that more cells can be transplanted which explains the better engraftment shown in animal models."The fact that this [procedure is done when cells are out of the patient means that the patient is not exposed to any foreign materials or invasive procedures. "The purity of the transplanted cells explains the reduction in graft versus host disease which is both the most morbid side effect and the major costs related to Bone marrow transplantation."Taken together these products are expected to become mandatory as a direct requests of both patients, physicians and health care insurance companies.

 

Patents/Rights: Patent(s) granted

Type of Organisation: