Pluri Expands IP Portfolio with New Patents for 3D Immune Cell Expansion in US and Israel

Pluri Inc., a leading biotechnology firm, has made significant advancements in the field of cell-based therapies, particularly focusing on Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells, which are emerging as a promising option for treating solid cancers. The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently granted Pluri a patent that covers technologies for expanding immune cells, including MAIT cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections and tissue repair. This patent is integral to Pluri’s expanding intellectual property, which now includes over 250 pending, allowed, and granted patents.

The company's proprietary MAIT platform facilitates the large-scale production of these unique immune cells, potentially establishing a new class of off-the-shelf cancer therapies. MAIT cells are effective against solid tumors, a challenging area in cancer treatment. Historically, expanding MAIT cells outside the human body has been difficult, but Pluri's innovative approach has successfully overcome these obstacles. The newly issued patents, titled "System and Methods For Immune Cells Expansion and Activation In Large Scale," emphasize using Pluri’s 3D cell expansion bioreactors to culture and activate these cells on a large scale.

Yaky Yanay, CEO and President of Pluri, highlighted the strategic importance of these patents, particularly as the U.S. FDA recently approved therapies involving Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) and T Cell Receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) for treating solid cancers. Yanay emphasized MAIT cells' potential in immunotherapy and expressed optimism about Pluri's ability to scale their production, which could lead to collaborations for delivering immune therapies to patients in need. The company also aims to develop its proprietary placental-derived MAIT cell platform to significantly enhance treatment options for solid tumors.

Pluri’s MAIT cells are derived from the human placenta, a rich source of potent allogeneic immune cells. These cells can effectively target tumors through multiple mechanisms and possess high levels of chemokine receptors, which aid their migration to tumor sites. Unlike traditional T cells sourced from peripheral blood, MAIT cells have a lower profile of causing Graft versus Host Disease, an advantage that may allow them to persist longer in the body, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes.

The company’s advanced 3D cell expansion technology revolutionizes immune cell production by simulating the lymph node environment, enabling efficient and high-quality cell expansion. This technology ensures that the immune cells maintain their integrity and therapeutic efficacy, addressing the growing demand for advanced cell-based therapies for immune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Pluri Inc. is recognized for its cutting-edge technology platform, which is pivotal in developing novel cell-based solutions for various challenges, including regenerative medicine, food technology, and agricultural technology. The company's 3D cell expansion system is not only accurate and scalable but also cost-effective and consistent, offering solutions across industries that require mass cell production. Pluri’s focus on sustainability and global well-being continues to drive its innovations and partnerships within the biotechnology sector.