Procognia (TASE:PRCG) is pleased to announce that the feasibility stage of the research, which focused on the glycosylation structures of stem cells, has been successfully completed. The research, directed by Prof. Dov Zipori from the Weizmann Institute of Science, was designed to develop a platform that will significantly improve the ability to identify and develop unique stem cells for transplant and treatment. Today, stem cell treatment faces a number of challenges, which both parties aim to handle successfully and therefore make a significant contribution to this field.
The feasibility stage focused on mesenchymal stem cells, and the results displayed the ability to:
- Determine stem cells by glycosylation profiles that predict tumorigenicity.
- Determine stem cells by glycosylation profiles that predict differentiation potentials.
Each of the above factors has the potential to significantly improve the abilities of the medical and scientific communities to successfully use stem cells for effective, successful transplants and medical treatment. In cooperation with Yeda Research & Development, the commercial arm of the Weizmann Institute, Procognia has submitted a US patent that covers the research and its unique findings.
According to the results of the feasibility stage, Procognia will continue its research with Prof. Zipori to develop a platform that will:
- Use glycopatterns to isolate stem cells with medical treatment potential, such as cell and organ transplants, and supervise immunoresponse.
- Use glycopatterns to remove dangerous cells, such as cancer cells.
- Create (by genetic or chemical means) cells with the improved abilities mentioned above by altering glycopatterns.
Mesenchymal stem cells migrate towards tumors and affect them, and therefore can also be used as carriers for drugs that will affect the tumors.
Within the framework of the agreement, Procognia has the option to commercialize products for diagnostic and therapeutic uses on the basis of the joint development process, in exchange for Yeda Research & Development receiving appropriate royalties.
Procognia estimates that the development stage of this platform will take approximately two years.
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