Pluristem's PLX Cells Show Promise in Treating Limb Ischemia

Pluristem Life Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:PLRS - News; DAX:PJT), a bio-therapeutics Company dedicated to the commercialization of products for a variety of malignant, degenerative and auto-immune indications, announced that favorable results have been obtained in pre-clinical testing using the Company's proprietary PLX cells to treat limb ischemia, a potential market of over $1 Billion.

Mr. Zami Aberman, Pluristem Chairman and CEO commented, "These results are encouraging and suggest that our PLX cells may be the first allogeneic, off-the-shelf product to treat this serious disease." PLX cells are placenta derived mesenchymal stem cells expanded in the Company's proprietary PluriX(TM) 3-D bioreactor system.

Scientists administered Pluristem's proprietary PLX cells in vivo to one set of ischemic mice. Post-treatment evaluation using Doppler technology indicated revascularization of the limb treated with PLX cells but not in those that were not treated with PLX. The hind legs of mice were rendered ischemic using standard industry methodologies.

Industry experts have estimated that therapeutics used in the treatment of limb ischemia market is over $1 Billion. However, current therapeutic methodologies have proven ineffective for many severe limb ischemic situations and led the medical community to call for the development of cellular therapies, such as Pluristem's PLX cells and other methods as alternative treatments.

About Limb Ischemia

In the US alone, it is estimated that 8-12 million people suffer from limb ischemia. The disease is characterized by narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the patient's limb(s) and caused and/or aggravated by diabetes, Buerger's Disease, other diseases and smoking. With decreased blood flow to the affected extremity, patients can suffer a host of complications including nerve and tissue damage. In advanced stages, limb ischemia can lead to gangrene which often requires treatment with amputation. The disease is associated with a high rate of mortality and the need for frequent hospitalization from surgical complications.

About Pluristem

Pluristem Life Systems, Inc. is a Company dedicated to the commercialization of non-personalized (allogeneic) stem cell therapy products for the treatment of numerous severe degenerative, malignant and autoimmune disorders. The Company's first planned product, PLX-I, targets a $2 billion market and is intended to resolve the global shortfall of matched tissue for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) by improving the engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) contained in umbilical cord blood (CB). Pluristem's products are derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from the placenta and expanded in the Company's proprietary PluriX(TM) 3D bioreactor that imitates the natural microstructure of bone marrow and does not require supplemental growth factors, cytokines or other exogenous materials. Pluristem believes the resultant expanded cells, termed PLX cells, are multipotent and able to differentiate into a variety of cell types as well as being immune-privileged to protect the recipient from immunological reactions that often accompanies transplantation. Pluristem believes their future products will participate in the approximate $30 billion therapeutic and regenerative cellular market. Pluristem has offices and is incorporated in the USA with research and manufacturing facilities in Israel. www.pluristem.com