California, USA (CU)_ ImStem Biotechnology, Inc., a biopharmaceutical firm specialized in the development of human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hES-MSC) via a patented technique utilizing a trophoblast intermediate stage (dubbed T-MSC), revealed that its top experimental drug candidate IMS001 was given to the first multiple sclerosis patient in the United States at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. IMS001 is an experimental allogeneic cell product intended for intravenous administration to individuals with multiple sclerosis.
This is the first allogeneic cell treatment based on hES-MSC that the FDA has approved for clinical trials in patients with MS. The company intends to continue registering patients in a dose-escalation, open-label study to assess the safety, tolerability, and investigative efficiency of a single IV IMS001 dose in subjects with relapsing-remitting, secondary, or primary progressive MS who have failed to respond to previous disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
Dr. Xiaofang Wang, Chief Technology Officer of ImStem Biotechnology, and an inventor of the proprietary T-MSC technology, expressed hopes for the research. He said, “We look forward to building a company whose foundation lies in our science based upon years of pioneering research”. Dr. Ben Thrower from the Shepherd Center expressed delight over the accomplishment. He said, “On behalf of our research team, we are excited to have been the first site in the US to dose an MS patient in their ongoing clinical trial with IMS001”.
Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, professor and director of the experimental therapeutics program at Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, expressed optimism over the treatment’s advancement. He said, “As a scientific advisor to ImStem Biotechnology, it is encouraging to see this T-MSC technology advance into the clinical stage of development where it may fulfill unmet needs for patients with MS”.
IMS001 is an experimental, allogeneic human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hES-MSC) product generated from the human embryonic stem cell line. IMS001 has shown preclinical immunomodulatory and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) repair functions, suggesting potential therapeutic advantages in a variety of neurological, autoimmune, and uncommon orphan disorders with significant unfulfilled medical needs. These molecular qualities may result in therapeutic advantages in illnesses like multiple sclerosis in lowering relapses, disability progression, and inducing disease halt.
