Pluri and Bar-Ilan University to Develop PLX Cells for the Treatment of Cocaine Addiction - Seite 2

Prof. Gal Yadid of The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center of Bar-Ilan University, a leading neuropsychopharmacologist focused on developing novel neuropsychiatric therapeutics for various indications such as addictions, depression, PTSD and more, including peptide drugs, microbiotics and others commented, “Based on several models, PLX offers great hope as a healing modality for the treatment of cocaine addiction as compared to traditional pharmacological methods that only address symptoms such as depression and anxiety, resulting in high relapse rate to drug usage even after long time of detoxification. The data suggest PLX offers a noninvasive one-time treatment that produces an immediate, long-term effect. We look forward to further exploring PLX’s mechanism of action, which we believe is likely through the cells’ migration to specific mesolimbic regions of the brain, thereby improving the regions’ plasticity by restoring neurons in the hippocampus.”

“PLX cells showed great data to act as a potential treatment for the millions of people around the world who suffer from cocaine addiction,” said Pluri Chief Executive Officer and President Yaky Yanay. “Pluri’s collaboration with BIRAD and Bar-Ilan is a great example of our co-development strategy, utilizing our advanced technology together with partners to develop life-changing products.”

In the U.S. alone, 1.2 million people suffered from cocaine use disorder in 2021, and approximately 24,500 people died from an overdose involving cocaine. Across North America and Europe, demand for treatment has steadily increased over the last decade, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.

About BIRAD

BIRAD – Research & Development Company Ltd. was established in order to translate new inventions made at Bar-Ilan University into useful products that can be effectively commercialized, thus strengthening the economy, promoting innovation and improving lives.

BIRAD's innovative approach, combined with Bar-Ilan University’s rapid growth leading Israel's growth in students' number, including the largest Nanotechnology center in Israel and new Medical School in Safed, provides BIRAD with a wide range of opportunities. Thus, BIRAD offer corporate partnerships and alliances, intellectual property management, and technology commercialization through venture creation and licensing.