• Pluristem’s Ongoing Phase III CLI trial has been selected for accelerated approval pathways in both the U.S. and Europe

• Fast Track Designation allows for expedited review of drugs to treat serious conditions with unmet medical need

HAIFA, Israel, Sept. 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:PSTI) (TASE:PSTI), a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy products, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation to the company’s ongoing Phase III study of PLX-PAD cells for the treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) in patients ineligible for revascularization. The FDA’s Fast Track Designation is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and unmet medical needs. With Fast Track Designation, there is an increased possibility for a priority review by the FDA of PLX-PAD cells for the treatment of CLI.

“We are extremely pleased with the FDA’s decision to grant Fast Track Designation to PLX-PAD in the treatment of CLI. Up to 40% of patients with CLI are ineligible for revascularization and are at high risk of amputation and death within the first year of diagnosis. This disease takes a heavy toll on patients and their families, while the cost of treating CLI in the U.S. alone is estimated at over $25 billion per year. We are working tirelessly to provide a cell therapy that will address this severe unmet medical need,” said Zami Aberman, Chairman and Co-CEO of Pluristem.

“Regulators in some of the largest healthcare markets in the world are now in alignment regarding the need for accelerated approval pathways for our cell therapy product in the treatment of CLI. Programs like the Fast Track Designation offer real hope for patients battling this disease and we look forward to accelerating the path to market for PLX-PAD,” stated Pluristem President and Co-CEO, Yaky Yanay. [Read more…]