Pluristem Therapeutics Inc (PSTI)

[zzaatt]

Hi hopester,

I can only offer speculation on whether PLX-PAD can dissolve/lyse existing plaques/fat deposits in the artery. We know that the explicit claim made by Pluristem lists a number of benefits, including angiogenesis, reduction of inflammation, and stimulus of muscle regeneration. This clearly results in healthier tissue, which may have a beneficial effect on larger blockages, BUT the company makes no such claim.

Jonny says:

No doubt the plaque in the arteries (where they have been extremely blood and nutrient starved) eventually dissolves away.

I think that is plausible, especially given that the plaque itself has a complex structure and its own dynamics, and just the therapeutic effects listed above (such as reducing inflammation) may stabilize the blockage.

It might also be the case that after PLX-PAD treatment, the current SOC, surgery to unblock arteries becomes more plausible, given that you now have a much healthier patient, with better tissue surrounding the blocked large artery. All speculation, since no such claims have been made. Perhaps this is an evolving question, and the answer will come from empirical observation in the clinic.

Note that an affirmative answer (yes, PLX-PAD dissolves or stabilizes plaques) would have huge implications for treating arterial diseases in addition to PAD, and the target population would increase substantially (not that they need it, CLI patients are in the millions in this country alone).

My best guess is that we will see a broadening of the therapeutic use of PLX-PAD, beyond CLI and into a more general use for stabilizing and improving the condition of a broad range of CV diseases.