NEW YORK and PETACH TIKVAH, Israel, July 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has received a Decision to Grant notice from the Japanese Patent Office ("JPO") to issue a patent entitled: "Methods of generating mesenchymal stem cells which secrete neurotrophic factors."  

This patent provides protection for MSC-NTF cells (NurOwn^®) in Japan until 2033. The Decision to Grant notice is the final approval stage and precedes actual granting which is expected shortly. The identification number is Japanese Patent Application 2015-526006. The allowed claims cover a method of generating cells which secrete brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

"We continue to protect our technology through strategic intellectual property achievements and this Notice of Decision to Grant from the Japanese Patent Office is an important addition to our IP portfolio. It is the first patent worldwide granted to BrainStorm for its development of the NurOwn^® technology as a commercially viable product," commented BrainStorm's CEO Chaim Lebovits. "Having a stem-cell product patented in Japan will increase our ability to enter into new commercial partnerships for NurOwn^® in Japan. We are expecting additional grants for this patent in other jurisdictions in the near future."

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of first-of-its-kind adult stem cell therapies derived from autologous bone marrow cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Company has developed the NurOwn^® technology into a commercially viable product. NurOwn^® has been already administered to over 70 patients with ALS in clinical trials conducted in the United States and in Israel. In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in the U.S., a clinically meaningful benefit was demonstrated by higher response to NurOwn^® compared with placebo. The Company is currently conducting a Phase 3 double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial at multiple clinical sites throughout the US. For more information, visit the company's website at www.brainstorm-cell.com.

Safe-Harbor Statement   
Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with BrainStorm's limited operating history, history of losses; minimal working capital, dependence on its license to Ramot's technology; ability to adequately protect the technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to obtain required regulatory approvals; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at http://www.sec.gov. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Contacts

Corporate:
Uri Yablonka
Chief Business Officer
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.
Phone: 646-666-3188
uri@brainstorm-cell.com

Investors:
Michael Rice
LifeSci Advisors LLC
Phone: 646-597-6979
mrice@lifesciadvisors.com

Media:
Drew Levinson
LifeSci Public Relations
Phone: 917-797-0388
drew@lifescipublicrelations.com

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SOURCE BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.