BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, announced that it has begun training the cell manufacturing team at City of Hope's Center for Biomedicine and Genetics to produce clinical supplies of NurOwn adult stem cells for the company's randomized, double-blind, multi-dose phase 3 clinical study in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). City of Hope will be the clinical supplier for all US medical centers participating in the phase 3 trial.
"City of Hope is one of the world's pre-eminent cell product manufacturing centers," said Chaim Lebovits, president and chief executive officer of BrainStorm. "The transfer of our proprietary autologous cell production technology to City of Hope's production team reflects the rapid progress we are making in preparing for our phase 3 ALS clinical study and will ensure that we have adequate high-quality cell-production capacity in place when we begin the Phase 3 study. We welcome them as a clinical partner and appreciate their commitment to the success of this important clinical programme."
"BrainStorm's NurOwn technology represents an innovative approach to treating ALS. City of Hope is excited to play a role in treating this devastating disease," said Joseph Gold, PhD, director of manufacturing at the Center for Biomedicine and Genetics.
City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 47 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world.