BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. Advances Its International Patent Application (PCT) For Stem Cell Procedure With Potential For Treating Parkinson's And Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

NEW YORK & TEL AVIV, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2006--BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics (OTCBB:BCLI - News) announced today that it has advanced its patent application from a provisional to an international patent application for a new procedure to derive "neuronal-supporting cells" from adult bone marrow with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent protects a procedure for inducing bone marrow stem cells to differentiate into astrocytes, which are brain cells that naturally support neurons in the brain. The induced cells display astrocyte-like morphology, express typical astrocyte proteins and most importantly, have the capacity to synthesize and secret neurotrophic factors, including glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF is the most potent neurotrophic factor known for dopaminergic neurons, the cells that degenerate in patients with Parkinson's disease.