Athersys preclinical data

Athersys and partner Fast Forward LLC reported data from a rodent model of MS showing that IV MultiStem given after symptom onset led to sustained, significant improvements in behavior vs. vehicle-treated controls (p<0.0001). MultiStem did not improve behavior when given before symptom onset. MultiStem also significantly reduced demyelinated lesions in the nervous system vs. placebo. Data were presented at the Stem Cell Biology & Therapy meeting in Rochester. Athersys plans to submit an IND for MultiStem to treat MS in 2H13.

MultiStem comprises allogeneic multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) obtained from the bone marrow of healthy adult donors. The product is in Phase II testing to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Phase II testing to treat ischemic stroke and Phase I testing to treat acute myocardial infarction (MI). MultiStem has Orphan Drug designation in the U.S for mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS-I, Hurler's syndrome) and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Athersys partnered with Fast Forward, the not-for-profit subsidiary of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (New York, N.Y.), to develop MultiStem to treat MS last year (see BioCentury, Oct. 24, 2011). ...