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news.Israel-based biotechnology company Pluristem Therapeutics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fukushima Medical University’s Global Medical Science Center, to test its placenta cell derived radiation therapy.
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It is hoping that the therapy derived from human placenta cell can protect people from radiation exposure, especially those involved in nuclear plant decommissioning.
The partnership intends to develop Pluristem’s PLX-R18 cells to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) and other ailments that follow radiotherapy in cancer patients.
ARS occurs due to exposure to severely high levels of radiation, posing fatal risk of damage to the gastrointestinal tract, lung, skin and bone marrow, and other body systems.
The collaboration will study the PLX-R18 cells as a plausible treatment for radiation-induced damage to lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract.
The research would include development of preclinical prototypes of radiation damage in these tissues, for use of them in trials.
For the research collaboration, Pluristem will offer PLX-R18 cells and scientific know-how and Fukushima Medical University will carry out studies and supply the required resources.
The partnership will be conducted concurrently with a research being funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is researching on the PLX-R18 cells as a probable treatment for hematologic component of ARS.
The data gathered from preclinical study that has been published in the scientific journal PLOS One, has revealed that PLX-R18 cells, when administered intramuscularly, can be an effective treatment for bone marrow failure resulting from exposure to high radiation levels.
Bone marrow failure resulting from inadequate blood cell production, caused by various reasons including ARS and cancer treatments, can be critical as it may cause hemorrhage, lower immunity, and anemia.
Pluristem CEO Zami Aberman said: "The researchers at Fukushima have a strong interest in cell therapies that may offer a treatment for conditions caused by exposure to ionizing radiation.
"We anticipate that our work with Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima Global Medical Science Center will help to maintain the health of those involved in decommissioning the Fukushima reactors; the decommissioning process is estimated to take about 40 years. We hope that this collaboration can advance efforts to safeguard populations around the world from illness related to radiation exposure."
Radiation poisoning is a serious concern in Japan after Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant suffered meltdown in March 2011.