Pluri Inc. announced it has signed an agreement assigning the joint patent rights to develop Pluri?s PLX cells in the treatment of cocaine addiction, to BIRAD?Research & Development Company Ltd., the commercial arm of Bar-Ilan University. Under the agreement, Bar-Ilan University via BIRAD will receive the right to further develop and commercialize PLX cells as a cocaine anti-addiction product, and Pluri is entitled to 20% revenue sharing from future sales of the product for anti-addiction. The agreement stems from a collaboration between Pluri and Bar-Ilan University researchers that presented compelling findings.

The studies evaluated PLX-PAD cells? efficacy in treating cocaine addiction in animal models. Findings demonstrate that PLX-PAD cells: Reduced cocaine-seeking behavior by migrating to specific mesolimbic regions of the brain and restoring neurogenesis.

Significantly increased neurogenesis. Decreased cocaine cravings during withdrawal. Significantly decreased drug cravings following drug relapse at 14 days and 28 days following treatment.

PLX Cells remained detectable in addiction-related brain areas 28 days post-injection. In the U.S. alone, 1.2 million people suffered from cocaine use disorder in 2021, and approximately 24,500 people died from an overdose involving cocaine. Across North America and Europe, demand for treatment has steadily increased over the last decade, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime.