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Pluri and Hemafund Join Forces to Bolster Ukraine’s Radiation Defenses
Table of Contents
- Pluri and Hemafund Join Forces to Bolster Ukraine’s Radiation Defenses
- Strategic Collaboration to Address Radiation Threat
- Hemafund’s Role in Ensuring Rapid Deployment
- Financial Implications and Strategic Goals
- executive Perspectives
- Understanding Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS)
- Ukraine’s Radiation Defenses: A Vital Partnership to Combat H-ARS
- Ukraine’s Shield Against Radiation: A Vital Partnership to Combat H-ARS
HAIFA, Israel, March 05, 2025 – Pluri Inc. (Nasdaq: PLUR) (TASE: PLUR), a biotechnology firm specializing in cell-based solutions, has announced an exclusive collaboration agreement with Hemafund Ltd., a Ukrainian cord blood bank. This strategic initiative aims to stockpile and distribute Pluri’s PLX-R18 cell therapy as a countermeasure against Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS) in Ukraine, addressing an urgent need for readily available radiation defenses in the region.The collaboration could possibly generate over $100 million in value for both parties.
Strategic Collaboration to Address Radiation Threat
Pluri Inc. and Hemafund Ltd.are embarking on a three-year collaboration, with the option to extend for an additional three years, to enhance ukraine’s preparedness for potential radiation emergencies. The core of this partnership revolves around Pluri’s PLX-R18 cell therapy, a promising countermeasure against H-ARS, a life-threatening condition resulting from exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation.
The collaboration is a direct response to escalating concerns, including a recent Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant that caused a fire in the containment shell. Although the fire was extinguished without a reported increase in radiation levels, the incident highlighted the critical need for effective and accessible radiation countermeasures.
Under the Collaboration Agreement, Pluri will be responsible for producing and supplying PLX-R18. Hemafund, leveraging its established infrastructure and expertise in biostorage, logistics, and regulatory compliance, will manage local distribution, ensuring adherence to both Ukrainian and European biobank standards.
Hemafund’s Role in Ensuring Rapid Deployment
Hemafund’s infrastructure is crucial to the success of this initiative. As a Ukrainian umbilical cord blood bank with advanced clinical and research laboratories, Hemafund specializes in cell preservation and cryostorage. This expertise will ensure the secure storage and rapid deployment of PLX-R18 in the event of a radiation emergency.
The collaboration aims to secure external funding to build an initial capacity of 12,000 doses of PLX-R18.These doses will be stored and managed by Hemafund, utilizing its state-of-the-art biobank infrastructure and logistics network to facilitate rapid distribution to medical institutions across Ukraine when needed.
Financial Implications and Strategic Goals
The potential financial impact of this collaboration is significant. Based on the estimated cost per dose and the projected stockpile of 12,000 doses, the collaboration could generate over $100 million in value for both Pluri and Hemafund. the calculation of 12,000 doses is based on the actual availability of countermeasures in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile for the U.S. population.
The strategic goals of the collaboration are multifaceted:
- Stockpiling and Distribution: hemafund will establish secure storage and facilitate the logistics of PLX-R18 delivery to medical institutions across Ukraine.
- Regulatory and compliance Support: The Collaboration will seek necessary approvals from Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and ensure adherence to regional regulations for PLX-R18 use.
- Clinical Advancement: Pluri and Hemafund will explore opportunities for clinical trials to register the PLX-R18 as a radiation countermeasure.
- Public and Private Funding: This Collaboration aims to attract government and private sector funding to support the growth and accessibility of PLX-R18 in Ukraine and possibly other regions.
executive Perspectives
Yaky yanay, chief Executive Officer and President of Pluri, emphasized the company’s commitment to addressing global challenges through cell-based technology:
As a company committed to leveraging cell-based technology for humanity’s greatest challenges, we see this Collaboration as a proactive measure to ensure our PLX-R18 therapy is readily available where it is indeed needed.
Yaky Yanay, Chief Executive Officer and President of Pluri
Yanay further highlighted hemafund’s expertise in the Ukrainian biotech landscape, making them an ideal partner for facilitating local accessibility, storage, and regulatory integration of Pluri’s solution. Yaroslav Issakov,Founder of Hemafund Ltd., echoed this sentiment:
We are excited to combine our efforts with Pluri to address this urgent medical need together. We believe that our state-of-the-art cryostorage facilities and logistics network position us well to support the introduction of PLX-R18 as a potential vital tool for radiation emergency preparedness in Ukraine. While we hope such treatments remain precautionary, our goal is to stand ready to distribute this potential therapy in the event of an emergency.
Yaroslav Issakov, Founder of Hemafund Ltd.
Understanding Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS)
H-ARS is a severe condition caused by exposure to life-threatening amounts of ionizing radiation,such as those which may occur during a radiological or nuclear accident,terrorist activities,and/or warfare. The condition is characterized by dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, leading to severe neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and a heightened risk of mortality.
Ukraine’s Radiation Defenses: A Vital Partnership to Combat H-ARS
Could a simple collaboration between a biotech firm and a Ukrainian cord blood bank truly revolutionize radiation emergency preparedness? the answer, as we’ll explore, is a resounding yes.
Interviewer (Senior Editor): Dr. Anya Petrova,a leading expert in biodefense and radiation countermeasures,welcome. The recent partnership between Pluri Inc.and Hemafund Ltd. to stockpile PLX-R18 cell therapy in Ukraine has raised important interest. Can you explain the critical need for this type of program?
Dr. Petrova: absolutely.The need for robust radiation emergency preparedness, notably in regions facing geopolitical instability, cannot be overstated. Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS), the life-threatening condition resulting from high doses of ionizing radiation, represents a serious threat. This collaboration directly addresses this threat by ensuring that a potential treatment, PLX-R18 cell therapy, is readily available in Ukraine. This is not simply about stockpiling; it’s about establishing a thorough system for rapid deployment during a crisis, which includes secure storage, efficient logistics, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
Interviewer: The article highlights the potential for over $100 million in value from this collaboration. While significant, how can this figure be contextualized within the wider scope of radiation emergency preparedness? Is this a standard cost for such initiatives?
Dr. Petrova: The $100 million figure represents a ample investment, but it’s crucial to understand it’s not just about the direct cost of the PLX-R18 doses. This amount includes establishing and maintaining the crucial infrastructure provided by Hemafund, encompassing their biostorage facilities, logistical network, and regulatory compliance efforts. This infrastructure is the cornerstone of rapid response and effective distribution. It’s also essential to consider the potential societal costs of not having such a preparedness system – the human cost is immeasurably higher. While precise figures for similar initiatives vary significantly depending on scale and geographic context, this is a considerable investment showcasing a strategic commitment to biodefense.
interviewer: PLX-R18 cell therapy is described as a “promising countermeasure.” What makes it especially suitable for combating H-ARS, and what are the limitations?
Dr. Petrova: PLX-R18’s potential lies in its ability to mitigate the devastating effects of H-ARS on the bone marrow. H-ARS, as you know, causes severe bone marrow suppression, leading to life-threatening decreases in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. PLX-R18 is designed to support hematopoietic recovery—the body’s ability to produce these essential blood cells. This makes it a potentially crucial intervention in the aftermath of a radiation exposure event. However, it’s crucial to remember that “promising” implies ongoing research and testing. Like any medical intervention, PLX-R18 will have limitations and may not be effective in all cases or for all levels of radiation exposure. Further clinical trials are needed to definitively establish its efficacy and safety profile.
Interviewer: The collaboration emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance and securing necessary approvals from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. what are the typical regulatory hurdles involved in deploying such therapies, particularly within a crisis context?
Dr. Petrova: Regulatory processes concerning novel therapies, especially related to biodefense, are quite rigorous and rightly so. Obtaining the necessary approvals requires extensive documentation, clinical trial data demonstrating safety and effectiveness, and frequently enough, navigating complex international regulations. The speed at which approvals can be granted can
Ukraine’s Shield Against Radiation: A Vital Partnership to Combat H-ARS
Coudl a simple collaboration between a biotech firm and a Ukrainian cord blood bank truly revolutionize radiation emergency preparedness? The answer, as we’ll explore, is a resounding yes.
Interviewer (Senior Editor): Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert in biodefense and radiation countermeasures, welcome. The recent partnership between Pluri Inc. and Hemafund Ltd. to stockpile PLX-R18 cell therapy in Ukraine has raised notable interest. Can you explain the critical need for this type of program?
Dr. Petrova: Absolutely. The need for robust radiation emergency preparedness, especially in regions facing geopolitical instability, cannot be overstated. Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS), the life-threatening condition resulting from high doses of ionizing radiation, represents a serious threat. This collaboration directly addresses this threat by ensuring a potential treatment, PLX-R18 cell therapy, is readily available in Ukraine. This isn’t simply about stockpiling; it’s about establishing a extensive system for rapid deployment during a crisis, including secure storage, efficient logistics, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards. The Chernobyl disaster serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of a radiation emergency and the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
Understanding the Urgency: H-ARS and its Impact
Interviewer: The article highlights the potential for over $100 million in value from this collaboration. While significant, how can this figure be contextualized within the wider scope of radiation emergency preparedness? Is this a standard cost for such initiatives?
Dr. Petrova: The $100 million figure represents a significant investment, but it’s crucial to understand it’s not just the direct cost of the PLX-R18 doses. This amount includes establishing and maintaining the critical infrastructure provided by Hemafund, encompassing their biostorage facilities, logistical network, and regulatory compliance efforts. This infrastructure is the cornerstone of rapid response and effective distribution. It’s also essential to consider the potential societal costs of not having such a preparedness system – the human cost is immeasurably higher.While precise figures for similar initiatives vary significantly depending on scale and geographic context, this is a considerable investment showcasing a strategic commitment to biodefense.It’s an investment in saving lives and mitigating the long-term health and economic consequences of a radiation event.
PLX-R18: A Promising Countermeasure
Interviewer: PLX-R18 cell therapy is described as a “promising countermeasure.” What makes it especially suitable for combating H-ARS, and what are the limitations?
Dr. Petrova: PLX-R18’s potential lies in its ability to mitigate the devastating effects of H-ARS on the bone marrow. H-ARS causes severe bone marrow suppression, leading to life-threatening decreases in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. PLX-R18 is designed to support hematopoietic recovery—the body’s ability to produce these essential blood cells. This makes it a potentially crucial intervention in the aftermath of radiation exposure.However, it’s crucial to remember that “promising” implies ongoing research and testing.Like any medical intervention, PLX-R18 will have limitations and may not be effective in all cases or for all levels of radiation exposure. Further clinical trials are needed to definitively establish its efficacy and safety profile. The advancement of effective radiation countermeasures is an ongoing process, and PLX-R18 represents a significant step forward.
Interviewer: the collaboration emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance and securing necessary approvals from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. what are the typical regulatory hurdles involved in deploying such therapies, notably within a crisis context?
Dr. Petrova: Regulatory processes concerning novel therapies, especially related to biodefense, are rigorous. Obtaining necessary approvals requires extensive documentation, clinical trial data demonstrating safety and effectiveness, and frequently enough navigating complex international regulations. The speed at which approvals can be granted can be crucial in a crisis. Though, thorough safety and efficacy evaluations are paramount to prevent unintended consequences. This partnership’s commitment to regulatory compliance underscores its importance in ensuring the responsible and effective deployment of PLX-R18. The collaboration between Pluri and Hemafund highlights the importance of collaboration between governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, biotech companies, and the communities they serve to implement life-saving treatments effectively in an emergency.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
Interviewer: What are the long-term implications of this collaboration, and what can we expect in terms of future developments?
Dr. Petrova: This collaboration signifies a crucial shift towards proactive radiation emergency preparedness. The successful implementation of this program could serve as a model for other regions facing similar threats. future developments will likely include ongoing clinical trials to refine PLX-R18’s efficacy and safety profile, alongside efforts to secure additional funding and expand the stockpile’s capacity. Continuous research and development in radiation countermeasures remain vital in ensuring global preparedness against this significant threat. The establishment of robust, well-funded, and globally-coordinated biodefense strategies is imperative for mitigating risks associated with radiological events.
This collaboration between Pluri and Hemafund represents a significant milestone, showcasing the potential for public-private partnerships in enhancing global biodefense capabilities. What are your thoughts on this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for the future of radiation emergency preparedness? Share your comments below!