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NovelStem International Corp. , a biotechnology company focused on its stem cell-based technology platform, developed by Israel-based affiliate, NewStem Ltd., announced two new collaborations to apply NewStem’s technology platform, one to research a potential cancer immunotherapy drug and another to research genes responsible for COVID-19. NovelStem also announced the identification and completion of analysis of resistance to a dozen standard-of-care anti-cancer treatments.
NovelStem Chairman, Jan Loeb, added, “We are very impressed with the pace and expanding scope of NewStem’s development work. They recently completed analysis for a dozen chemotherapy resistance diagnostics, while also expanding their work to include an externally funded drug development research project and a genetic research collaboration around COVID-19. This work underscores the substantial potential value of NewStem’s unique platform to accelerate genetic research, as compared to other approaches, and deliver improved patient care.”
NewStem, a spinoff of Yissum, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s technology-transfer company, is 27.3% owned by NovelStem. NewStem’s diagnostic solutions are based on the research of specialized stem cells that carry just one set of chromosomes (haploid cells) by Professor Nissim Benvenisty, Director of the Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research at the Hebrew University. NewStem holds intellectual property rights related to stem cells, including genome-wide screening methodologies.
NewStem CEO, Ayelet Dilion-Mashiah, said, “While NewStem remains focused principally on its genetic-driven personalized diagnostic and therapy for cancer patients, we are excited to expand the application of our novel technology platform to support other drug development programs and revenue streams, including for novel diseases such as COVID-19.”
COVID-19 Research Collaboration
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus strain that causes the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness. Under a collaboration with the Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research at the Hebrew University, using NewStem’s haploid human embryonic stem cell platform technology and genome-wide screening methodologies, research was initiated for identifying genes that regulate the pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This research is intended to help develop methods to generate resistance to SARS-CoV-2 and enable new ways to find therapies for the devastating disease.
About NovelStem International Corp
NovelStem has a 27.3% stake in NewStem Ltd. which is advancing its novel stem-cell-based diagnostic technology for predicting patients’ resistance to cancer therapies, allowing for better, targeted cancer treatments with the potential to reduce incidents of drug resistance. The technology is also being used for genetic research related to other medical therapies. NovelStem will increase its ownership to 33% based upon completion of an additional $1 million investment. NovelStem also owns 50% in Netco Partners, which owns the Net Force publishing franchise.
