Patent Application
20110256108
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to adherent cells of a placenta tissue and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods of selection of same for transplantation.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), occurs when peripheral arteries are damaged by arterial hypertension and/or by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Approximately 8 million patients in the US suffer from PAD. PAD is a chronic disease that progressively constricts arterial circulation of limbs that can lead to serious medical complications. This disease is often associated with other clinical conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity and stroke.
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) is used to describe patients with chronic ischemia induced pain, ulcers, tissue loss or gangrene in the limb. CLI is usually associated with smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, hyperhomocysteinemia and has hereditary susceptibility (i.e., strong family history of similar disease). Typically, CLI symptoms include limb pain at rest with or without trophic skin changes or tissue loss, pain is typically worse when a patient is supine, pain typically improves when limb is in the dependent position. Furthermore, CLI is usually associated with ulceration or tissue loss and gangrene of the extremity. Also, typically, narcotic medications are required for analgesia.
CLI represents the end stage of PAD patients who need comprehensive treatment by a vascular surgery or vascular specialist. However, in contrast to coronary and cerebral artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains an under-appreciated condition that despite being serious and extremely prevalent is rarely diagnosed and even less frequently treated. Consequently, CLI often leads to amputation or death and mortality rates in PAD patients exceed that of patients with myocardial infarction and stroke.
Conventional treatments for CLI include surgery, including e.g. primary amputation, medical management (e.g. clopidogrel, cilostazol, statins) and lifestyle modifications (e.g. cessation of smoking). Furthermore, in an attempt to treat ischemic conditions, stem cell therapy has been contemplated with various adult stem cells [Nakagami et al., J Atheroscler Thromb (2006) 13(2): 77-81; Moon et al., Cell Physiol Biochem. (2006) 17: 279-90; Iwase et al., Cardiovasc Res. (2005) 66(3):543-51; Ventura et al., (2007) J. Biol. Chem., 282: 14243-52].
The traditional source of mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic use has been bone marrow. More recently novel sources of MSC are being investigated for potential clinical use for their regenerative potential and immunomodulatory function. To obtain sufficient numbers of MSC for therapeutic use, ex vivo expansion is necessary. This requires optimization of culture conditions and development of defined media, animal (xeno) product-free or low risk sources or components including alternatives to fetal calf serum, trypsin and other reagents. Furthermore a clear definition of release criteria of transplanted cells to be used as a clinical therapy is not yet uniformly accepted.
Bone marrow harvest is a routine procedure and therefore whole bone marrow or bone marrow MSC are most commonly used in MSC clinical therapies. However, the collection of bone marrow is an invasive procedure. Other sources of MSC have been demonstrated including liver, perdiodontal ligaments, adipose tissue, placenta (WO/2007/108003). The ideal source of MSC for the clinic would be readily available, using a non-invasive harvesting procedure and yielding large numbers of MSC for ex vivo expansion. In this respect placenta represents a particularly attractive source due to ready availability.
Currently, most clinical production of MSC involves ex vivo expansion culture in media containing xeno contaminants. This raised the potential problem of prion and viral transmission and immune response to xenogeneic antigens. Recommendations for release criteria have not been standardized for MSC from any source.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of selecting a population of adherent cells of a placenta tissue suitable for transplantation, the method comprising: (a) determining prior to transplantation in a candidate population of adherent cells of a placenta tissue at least one of the following parameters: (i) percentage of viable cells in the candidate population; (ii) immune phenotype of cells in the candidate population; (iii) xeno-contamination in the candidate population; (iv) sterility of the candidate population; and (v) immunosuppressive activity of cells in the candidate population; (b) selecting or excluding the candidate population according to predetermined values of at least one of the parameters, thereby selecting a population of adherent cells of the placenta tissue suitable for transplantation.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the percentage of viable cells is at least 70%.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the immune phenotype comprises a positive marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD73, CD29 and CD105 and a negative marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD45, CD14 and HLA-DR.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the cells comprising the positive marker expression make up at least 90% of the candidate population and cells comprising the negative marker expression make up equally to- or less than 3% of the candidate population.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the xeno-contamination is selected from the group consisting of mycoplasma contamination and endotoxin contamination.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting is determined according to the values of at least two of the parameters.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting is determined according to the values of at least three of the parameters.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting is determined according to the values of at least four of the parameters.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting is determined according to the values of all of the parameters.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting is according to the following values: (i) at least 70% of viable cells in the candidate population; and (ii) immune phenotype comprising a positive marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD73, CD90 and CD105 and a negative marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD45, CD14 and HLA-DR of cells in the candidate population, wherein cells comprising the positive marker expression make up at least 90% of the candidate population and cells comprising the negative marker expression make up equally to- or less than 3% of the candidate population.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting further comprising at least one of: (iii) no xeno-contamination in the candidate population; (iv) sterility of the candidate population; and (v) immunosuppressive activity of cells in the candidate population;
According to some embodiments of the invention, the adherent cells are ex-vivo expanded.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the adherent cells are ex vivo expanded under 3D culturing conditions.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the 3D culturing conditions is effected under perfusion.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the population of adherent cells of a placenta tissue selected suitable for transplantation according to any of the above methods.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a use of the population of cells for the manufacture of a medicament identified for transplantation.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a population of cells selected according to the above method.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to adherent cells of a placenta tissue and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods of selection of same for transplantation.
The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Embodiments of the present invention provide criteria for selection of populations of adherent cells from a placenta tissue with a high probability of effective engraftment and therapeutic efficacy. The selected populations can be used for transplantation in the clinical setting such as for treatment of a variety of medical conditions, including peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of selecting a population of adherent cells of a placenta tissue suitable for transplantation, the method comprising:
(a) determining prior to transplantation in a candidate population of adherent cells of a placenta tissue at least one of the following parameters:
(b) selecting or excluding the candidate population according to predetermined values of at least one of the parameters, thereby selecting a population of adherent cells of the placenta tissue suitable for transplantation.
As used herein the phrase “population of cells” refers to a homogeneous or heterogeneous isolated population of cells which comprise cell populations potentially suitable for transplantation. The candidate population of cells in accordance with the present teachings comprises adherent cells of a placenta tissue.
As used herein the phrase “adherent cells” refers to a population of cells which are anchorage dependent, i.e., require attachment to a surface in order to grow in vitro.
As used herein the term “placenta tissue” refers to any portion of the mammalian organ which lines the uterine wall and during pregnancy envelopes the fetus, to which it is attached by the umbilical cord. Following birth, the placenta is expelled (and is referred to as a post partum placenta). In an exemplary embodiment, placenta refers to whole placenta.
As used herein, the term “viability” or “viable” refers to the distinction between living and non-living cells. Cell viability may be judged by morphological changes or by changes in membrane permeability and/or physiological state inferred from the exclusion of certain dyes or the uptake and retention of others. Cell viability assays are well known in the art, including, but not limited to trypan blue or propidium iodide exclusion and rhodamine metabolic stain (Coder, D., Current Protocols in Cytometry, 1997, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., Unit 9.2, 9.2.1-9.2.14). According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the percentage of viable cells in the population is at least about 70%, 80%, 90% or more.
As used herein the phrase “immune phenotype” refers to an expression profile of cell surface markers. In a specific embodiment the immune phenotype comprises a positive marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD73, CD90 and CD105 and a negative marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD45, CD14 and HLA-DR. Marker expression can be determined at the protein or mRNA level using methods which are well known in the art and are further described hereinbelow. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, cells comprising positive marker expression make up at least 90%, 95%, 98% or 100% of the candidate population and cells comprising negative marker expression make up equally to- or less than, 3%, 1%, 0.5% or less of the candidate population.
As used herein the phrase “xeno-contamination” refers to a substance of a biological source which is foreign to the transplanted subject (xenogeneic) and may elicit an immune response in the transplanted subject. Examples of xeno contaminants include a mycoplasma infection and presence of endotoxin. Methods of determining presence of same are well known in the art and are further described in Examples 1-2 of the Examples section which follows.
As used herein “sterility” refers to absence of infectious microorganisms. Sterility may be determined using a variety of methods known in the art which are further described in Example 2 of the Examples section which follows.
As used herein the phrase “immunosuppressive activity” refers to decreasing or inhibiting the immune reaction occurring in a subject in response to an antigen (e.g., a foreign cell or a portion thereof). The immune response which can be suppressed by the adherent cells include the humoral immune responses and cellular immune responses, which involve specific recognition of pathogen antigens via antibodies and T-lymphocytes (proliferation of T cells), respectively.
Immunosuppressive activity can be determined in a variety of methods such as using the Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR) as explained in detail in Example 1 of the Examples section which follows.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, the candidate population of cells is ex vivo propagated.
As used herein the term “ex-vivo” refers to a process in which cells are removed from a living organism and are propagated outside the organism (e.g., in a test tube, in a cell culture bag, etc).
Placenta derived adherent cells can be propagated using two dimensional or three dimensional culturing conditions.
Conditions for propagating adherent cells in 2D culture are further described hereinbelow and in the examples section which follows.
As used herein the phrase “three dimensional culture” refers to a culture in which the cells are disposed to conditions which are compatible with cell growth including a scaffold which allows cell to cell contacts in three dimensions. It is well appreciated that the in situ environment of a cell in a living organism (or a tissue) is in a three dimensional architecture. Cells are surrounded by other cells. They are held in a complex network of extra cellular matrix nanoscale fibers that allows the establishment of various local microenvironments. Their extra cellular ligands mediate not only the attachment to the basal membrane but also access to a variety of vascular and lymphatic vessels. Oxygen, hormones and nutrients are ferried to cells and waste products are carried away. The conditions in the three dimensional culture of the invention are designed to mimic such an environment as is further exemplified below.
It will be appreciated that the conditions (e.g. pH, temperature etc.) of the three-dimensional culture are such that enable expansion of the adherent cells.
As used herein the terms “expanding” and “expansion” refer to substantially differentiation-less maintenance of the cells and ultimately cell growth, i.e., increase of a cell population (e.g., at least 2 fold) without differentiation accompanying such increase.
As used herein the terms “maintaining” and “maintenance” refer to substantially differentiation-less cell renewal, i.e., substantially stationary cell population without differentiation accompanying such stationarity.
As mentioned, the adherent cells of this aspect of the invention are retrieved from a placental tissue.
Placental cells may be obtained from a full-term or pre-term placenta. Placenta is preferably collected once it has been ex blooded. The placenta is preferably perfused for a period of time sufficient to remove residual cells. The term “perfuse” or “perfusion” used herein refers to the act of pouring or passaging a fluid over or through an organ or tissue. The placental tissue may be from any mammal; for example, the placental tissue is human. A convenient source of placental tissue is from a post partum placenta (e.g., 1-6 hours), however, the source of placental tissue or cells or the method of isolation of placental tissue is not critical to the invention.
Placenta derived adherent cells may be obtained from both fetal (i.e., amnion, chorion, chorionic villi or inner parts of the placenta, see Example 1) and maternal (i.e., decidua basalis, and decidua parietalis) parts of the placenta. Tissue specimens are washed in a physiological buffer [e.g., phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Hank's buffer]. Single-cell suspensions are made by treating the tissue with a digestive enzyme (see below) or/and mincing and flushing the tissue parts through a nylon filter or by gentle pipetting (Falcon, Becton, Dickinson, San Jose, Calif.) with washing medium.
Isolated adherent cells from placenta tissue may be derived by treating the tissue with a digestive enzyme such as collagenase, trypsin and/or dispase; and/or effective concentrations of hyaluronidase or DNAse; and ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA); at temperatures between 25-50° C., for periods of between 10 minutes to 3 hours. The cells may then be passed through a nylon or cheesecloth mesh filter of between 20 microns to 1 mm. The cells are then subjected to differential centrifugation directly in media or over a Ficoll or Percoll or other particulate gradient. Cells are centrifuged at speeds of between 100 to 3000×g for periods of between 1 minutes to 1 hour at temperatures of between 4-50° C. (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,078,230).
Cell retrieval is preferably effected under sterile conditions. Once isolated cells are obtained, they are allowed to adhere to an adherent material (e.g., configured as a surface) to thereby isolate adherent cells. Culturing may proceed under 2D conditions or may be further transferred to 3D conditions
As used herein “an adherent material” refers to a synthetic, naturally occurring or a combination of same of a non-cytotoxic (i.e., biologically compatible) material having a chemical structure (e.g., charged surface exposed groups) which may retain the cells on a surface.
Examples of adherent materials which may be used in accordance with this aspect of the invention include, but are not limited to, a polyester, a polypropylene, a polyalkylene, a polyfluorochloroethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polystyrene, a polysulfone, a cellulose acetate, a glass fiber, a ceramic particle, a matrigel, an extra cellular matrix component (e.g., fibronectin, vitronectin, chondronectin, laminin), a collagen, a poly L lactic acid, dextran and an inert metal fiber.
Further steps of purification or enrichment for a cell may be effected using methods which are well known in the art (such as by FACS using specific cell markers, as further described hereinabove).
Non-limiting examples of base media useful in culturing according to the invention include Minimum Essential Medium Eagle, ADC-1, LPM (Bovine Serum Albumin-free), F10 (HAM), F12 (HAM), DCCM1, DCCM2, RPMI 1640, BGJ Medium (with and without Fitton-Jackson Modification), Basal Medium Eagle (BME—with the addition of Earle's salt base), Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM-without serum), Yamane, IMEM-20, Glasgow Modification Eagle Medium (GMEM), Leibovitz L-15 Medium, McCoy's 5A Medium, Medium M199 (M199E—with Earle's sale base), Medium M199 (M199H—with Hank's salt base), Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM-E—with Earle's salt base), Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM-H—with Hank's salt base) and Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM-NAA with non essential amino acids), among numerous others, including medium 199, CMRL 1415, CMRL 1969, CMRL 1066, NCTC 135, MB 75261, MAB 8713, DM 145, Williams' G, Neuman & Tytell, Higuchi, MCDB 301, MCDB 202, MCDB 501, MCDB 401, MCDB 411, MDBC 153. A preferred medium for use in the invention is DMEM. These and other useful media are available from GIBCO, Grand Island, N.Y., USA and Biological Industries, Bet HaEmek, Israel, among others. A number of these media are summarized in Methods in Enzymology, Volume LVIII, “Cell Culture”, pp. 62 72, edited by William B. Jakoby and Ira H. Pastan, published by Academic Press, Inc.
The medium may be supplemented such as with serum such as fetal serum of human, bovine or other species, and optionally or alternatively, growth factors, vitamins (e.g. ascorbic acid), cytokines, salts (e.g. B-glycerophosphate), steroids (e.g. dexamethasone) and hormones e.g., growth hormone, erythropoietin, thrombopoietin, interleukin 3, interleukin 6, interleukin 7, macrophage colony stimulating factor, c-kit ligand/stem cell factor, osteoprotegerin ligand, insulin, insulin like growth factors, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, nerve growth factor, cilary neurotrophic factor, platelet derived growth factor, and bone morphogenetic protein at concentrations of between picogram/ml to milligram/ml levels.
It is further recognized that additional components may be added to the culture medium. Such components may be antibiotics, antimycotics, albumin, amino acids, and other components known to the art for the culture of cells. Additionally, components may be added to enhance the differentiation process when needed (see further below).
To maintain a xeno-free environment, the culture medium can be supplemented with a serum-replacement, human serum and/or synthetic or recombinantly produced factors.
As mentioned, once adherent cells are at hand they may be passaged to two dimensional or three dimensional settings. It will be appreciated though, that the cells may be transferred to a 3D-configured matrix immediately after isolation or alternatively, may be passaged to three dimensional settings following two dimensional conditions (as mentioned hereinabove).
Thus, the adherent material of this aspect of the invention is configured for 3D culturing thereby providing a growth matrix that substantially increases the available attachment surface for the adherence of the adherent cells so as to mimic the infrastructure of the tissue (e.g., placenta).
For high scale production, culturing can be effected in a 3D bioreactor.
Examples of such bioreactors include, but are not limited to, a plug flow bioreactor, a continuous stirred tank bioreactor, a stationary-bed bioreactor (packed bed bioreactor) and a fluidized bed bioreactor.
Furthermore, the cell cultures can be monitored for concentration levels of glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate and ammonium. The glucose consumption rate and the lactate formation rate of the adherent cells enable to measure cell growth rate and to determine the harvest time.
Other 3D bioreactors that can be used with the invention include, but are not limited to, a continuous stirred tank bioreactor, where a culture medium is continuously fed into the bioreactor and a product is continuously drawn out, to maintain a time-constant steady state within the bioreactor. A stirred tank bioreactor with a fibrous bed basket is available for example at New Brunswick Scientific Co., Edison, N.J.), A stationary-bed bioreactor, an air-lift bioreactor, where air is typically fed into the bottom of a central draught tube flowing up while forming bubbles, and disengaging exhaust gas at the top of the column], a cell seeding perfusion bioreactor with Polyactive foams [as described in Wendt, D. et al., Biotechnol Bioeng 84: 205-214, (2003)] tubular poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) porous scaffolds in a Radial-flow perfusion bioreactor [as described in Kitagawa et al., Biotechnology and Bioengineering 93(5): 947-954 (2006). Other bioreactors which can be used in accordance with the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,277,151, 6,197,575, 6,139,578, 6,132,463, 5,902,741 and 5,629,186.
In an exemplary embodiment a total of 150±50×106 cells are seeded, 3−7×106 cell/gr carrier are seeded, or 0.06−0.13×106 cell/ml are seeded. According to an exemplary embodiment, cell seeding is effected at 1400-7000 cells/cm2 FibraCel disks
Cells can be harvested when at least about 10% of cells are proliferating while avoiding uncontrolled differentiation and senescence.
Culturing is effected for at least about 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 20 days, a month or even more. It will be appreciated that culturing in a bioreactor may prolong this period. Culturing of the adherent cells in the 3D culture can be effected under a continuous flow of a culture medium and/or under perfusion. Passaging may also be effected to increase cell number. It will be appreciated that culture medium may be changed in order to prolong and improve culturing conditions.
Adherent cells of placental tissue can be cryopreserved by suspending the cells in a cryopreservative such as DMSO, glycerol and propylene glycol. Cells can be cryopreserved after purification or culture. Typically, the cryopreservative is added in a stepwise fashion and the cells are slow cooled to −40° C. then stored at −196° C. Cells may be rapidly thawed (e.g., in a 37° C. water bath) and assayed for the above criteria before use. Cryopreservation can allow for long-term storage of these cells for later transplantation or other purposes. Cryopreserving collections of purified populations of cells is particularly useful for producing a cell bank.
As mentioned, the population of cells of the present invention is selected by determining at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four or all of the aforementioned criteria.
According to a specific embodiment of the present invention selecting of the population is according to the following values:
(i) at least 70% of viable cells in the candidate population; and
(ii) immune phenotype comprising a positive marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD73, CD29 and CD105 and a negative marker expression of at least one marker selected from the group consisting of CD45, CD14 and HLA-DR of cells in the candidate population, wherein cells comprising the positive marker expression make up at least 90% of the candidate population and cells comprising the negative marker expression make up equally to- or less than 5% of the candidate population.
Additionally, selection criteria of the population may further comprise
(iii) no xeno-contamination in the candidate population;
(iv) sterility of the candidate population; and
(v) immunosuppressive activity of cells in the candidate population;
Furthermore, the population is typically less committed to an osteogenic lineage as compared to adherent cells from bone marrow grown and allowed to differentiate under the same conditions.
Alternatively or in addition, the population is less committed to an adipogenic lineage as compared to adherent cells from bone marrow grown and allowed to differentiate under the same conditions.
Once qualified according to the above selection criteria, the population of adherent cells of a placenta tissue can be used for treating a variety of medical conditions which may benefit from stromal cell transplantation in a subject in need thereof.
In a specific embodiment, the cells are used for the treatment of ischemia.
The term “ischemia” as used herein refers to any pathology (disease, condition, syndrome or disorder) characterized by or associated with insufficient angiogenesis. Examples include, but are not limited to, a peripheral arterial disease (PAD) such as limb ischemia and critical limb ischemia (CLI), ischemic heart disease, ischemic brain disease (e.g. stroke), delayed wound-healing, delayed ulcer healing, reproduction associated disorders, arteriosclerosis, ischemic vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, myocardial ischemia, coronary artery disease (CAD), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, left main coronary artery disease, arterial occlusive disease, peripheral ischemia, peripheral vascular disease, vascular disease of the kidney, peripheral arterial disease, limb ischemia, lower extremity ischemia, cerebral ischemia, cerebro vascular disease, retinopathy, retinal repair, remodeling disorder, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, hereditary hemorrhagic telengiectasiaischemic vascular disease, Buerger's disease, ischemic renal disease and ischemic placenta.
As used herein the term “treating” refers to inhibiting or arresting the development of a pathology (e.g., ischemia) and/or causing the reduction, remission, or regression of a pathology. Those of skill in the art will understand that various methodologies and assays can be used to assess the development of a pathology, and similarly, various methodologies and assays may be used to assess the reduction, remission or regression of a pathology. The term “treating” may also refer to alleviating or diminishing a symptom associated with the pathology.
As used herein the phrase “subject in need thereof” refers to any subject (e.g., mammal), such as a human subject who is diagnosed with or suffers from the pathology. Criteria for qualifying PAD patients for cell therapy in accordance with the present teachings are provided in Example 3 of the Examples section which follows.
Compositions of the present invention may, if desired, be presented in a pack or dispenser device, such as an FDA-approved kit, which may contain one or more unit dosage forms containing the active ingredient (e.g., cells). The pack may, for example, comprise metal or plastic foil, such as a blister pack. The pack or dispenser device may be accompanied by instructions for administration. The pack or dispenser device may also be accompanied by a notice in a form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use, or sale of pharmaceuticals, which notice is reflective of approval by the agency of the form of the compositions for human or veterinary administration. Such notice, for example, may include labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prescription drugs or of an approved product insert. Compositions comprising a preparation of the invention formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may also be prepared, placed in an appropriate container, and labeled for treatment of an indicated condition, as further detailed above.
The cells prepared according to the methods of the present invention can be administered to the subject per se, or in a pharmaceutical composition where it is mixed with suitable carriers or excipients.
As used herein, a “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a preparation of one or more of the active ingredients described herein with other chemical components such as physiologically suitable carriers and excipients. The purpose of a pharmaceutical composition is to facilitate administration of a compound to an organism.
Hereinafter, the phrases “physiologically acceptable carrier” and “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,” which may be used interchangeably, refer to a carrier or a diluent that does not cause significant irritation to an organism and does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the administered compound. An adjuvant is included under these phrases.
Herein, the term “excipient” refers to an inert substance added to a pharmaceutical composition to further facilitate administration of an active ingredient.
Techniques for formulation and administration of drugs may be found in the latest edition of “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences,” Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., which is herein fully incorporated by reference.
Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with the present invention thus may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and auxiliaries, which facilitate processing of the active ingredients into preparations that can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.
For injection, the active ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hank's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological salt buffer.
Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the context of the present invention include compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in an amount effective to achieve the intended purpose. More specifically, a “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of active ingredients (e.g. cells) effective to prevent, alleviate, or ameliorate symptoms of a disorder or prolong the survival of the subject being treated.
Determination of a therapeutically effective amount is well within the capability of those skilled in the art, especially in light of the detailed disclosure provided herein.
Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the active ingredients described herein can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in vitro, in cell cultures or experimental animals. The data obtained from these in vitro and cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in human. The dosage may vary depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The exact formulation, route of administration, and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition. (See, e.g., Fingl, E. et al. (1975), “The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics,” Ch. 1, p. 1.)
Depending on the severity and responsiveness of the condition to be treated, dosing can be of a single or a plurality of administrations. Commonly, however, subjects receive a single transplant, with multiple transplants being extremely rare. However, the amount of a composition to be administered will, of course, be dependent on the subject being treated, the severity of the affliction, the manner of administration, the judgment of the prescribing physician, etc.
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant three dimensional cultures will be developed and the scope of the term three dimensional cultures is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.
The term “consisting of means “including and limited to”.
The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimental support in the following examples.
Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.
Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures utilized in the present invention include molecular, biochemical, microbiological and recombinant DNA techniques. Such techniques are thoroughly explained in the literature. See, for example, “Molecular Cloning: A laboratory Manual” Sambrook et al., (1989); “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology” Volumes I-III Ausubel, R. M., ed. (1994); Ausubel et al., “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley and Sons, Baltimore, Md. (1989); Perbal, “A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning”, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1988); Watson et al., “Recombinant DNA”, Scientific American Books, New York; Birren et al. (eds) “Genome Analysis: A Laboratory Manual Series”, Vols. 1-4, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York (1998); methodologies as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,828; 4,683,202; 4,801,531; 5,192,659 and 5,272,057; “Cell Biology: A Laboratory Handbook”, Volumes I-III Cellis, J. E., ed. (1994); “Current Protocols in Immunology” Volumes I-III Coligan J. E., ed. (1994); Stites et al. (eds), “Basic and Clinical Immunology” (8th Edition), Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, Conn. (1994); Mishell and Shiigi (eds), “Selected Methods in Cellular Immunology”, W. H. Freeman and Co., New York (1980); available immunoassays are extensively described in the patent and scientific literature, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,791,932; 3,839,153; 3,850,752; 3,850,578; 3,853,987; 3,867,517; 3,879,262; 3,901,654; 3,935,074; 3,984,533; 3,996,345; 4,034,074; 4,098,876; 4,879,219; 5,011,771 and 5,281,521; “Oligonucleotide Synthesis” Gait, M. J., ed. (1984); “Nucleic Acid Hybridization” Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., eds. (1985); “Transcription and Translation” Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., Eds. (1984); “Animal Cell Culture” Freshney, R. I., ed. (1986); “Immobilized Cells and Enzymes” IRL Press, (1986); “A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning” Perbal, B., (1984) and “Methods in Enzymology” Vol. 1-317, Academic Press; “PCR Protocols: A Guide To Methods And Applications”, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990); Marshak et al., “Strategies for Protein Purification and Characterization—A Laboratory Course Manual” CSHL Press (1996); all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Other general references are provided throughout this document. The procedures therein are believed to be well known in the art and are provided for the convenience of the reader. All the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.
In order to provide large scale 3D adherent cells, two manufacturing systems were utilized referred to herein as Plurix (teachings of WO/2007/108003) and Celligen (teachings of the present invention).
Materials and Experimental Methods
Production of 3D Adherent Cells (PLX) by PluriX™ Plug Flow Bioreactor
As described in WO/2007/108003. In short, the process starts by collection of a placenta from a planned cesarean delivery at term. Inner parts of a full-term delivery placenta (Bnei Zion medical center, Haifa, Israel) were cut under aseptic conditions, washed 3 times with Hank's Buffer and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. with 0.1% Collagenase (1 mg/ml tissue; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Lewis, Mo.). Using gentle pipetting, suspended cells were then washed with DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS, Pen-Strep-Nystatin mixture (100 U/ml:100 μg/ml:1.25 un/ml) and 2 mM L-glutamine, seeded in 75 cm2 flasks and incubated at 37° C. in a tissue culture incubator under humidified condition with 5% CO2.
Two Dimensional (2D) Cell Growth
Cells were allowed to adhere to a plastic surface for 72 hours after which the media was changed every 3-4 days. After 2-3 passages, the cells were cryopreserved, thawed and seeded for a secondary growth in flasks. When reaching 60-80% confluence (usually 10-12 days), cells were detached from the growth flask using 0.25% trypsin-EDTA and seeded into new flasks. Cultured cells were thereafter collected for analysis or for culturing in bioreactors.
PluriX™ Plug Flow bioreactor
The PluriX™ Plug Flow bioreactor (Pluristem, Haifa, Israel; as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,201 and WO/2007/108003), was loaded with 1-100 ml packed 3D porrosive carriers (4 mm in diameter) made of a non woven fabric matrix of polyester. These carriers enable the propagation of large cell numbers in a relatively small volume. Glassware was designed and manufactured by Pluristem (Pluristem, Haifa, Israel). The bioreactor was maintained in an incubator of 37° C., with flow rate regulated and monitored by a valve and peristaltic pump. The bioreactor contains a sampling and injection point, allowing the sequential seeding of cells. Culture medium was supplied at pH 6.7-7.4 from a reservoir. The reservoir was supplied by a filtered gas mixture, containing air/CO2/O2 at differing proportions, depending on cell density in the bioreactor. The O2 proportion was suited to the level of dissolved O2 at the bioreactor exit, determined by a monitor. The gas mixture was supplied to the reservoir via silicone tubes or diffuser (Degania Bet, Emek Hayarden, Israel). The culture medium was passed through a separating container which enables collection of circulating, non-adherent cells. Circulation of the medium was obtained by a peristaltic pump. The bioreactor was further equipped with an additional sampling point and containers for continuous medium exchange.
Production of 3D-Adherent Cells (PLX)
Non-confluent primary human adherent 2D cell cultures, grown as described above, were trypsinized, washed, resuspended in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, Pen-Strep-Nystatin mixture (100 U/ml:100 ug/ml:1.25 un/ml) and 2 mM L-glutamine, and seeded (103-105 cells/ml) via an injection point onto the 3D carriers in a sterile Plug Flow bioreactor. Prior to inoculation, bioreactor was filled with PBS-Ca-Mg (Biological Industries, Beit Ha'emek, Israel), autoclaved (120° C., 30 min) and washed with Dulbecco's growth medium containing 10% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum and a Pen-Strep-Nystatin mixture (100 U/ml:100 ug/ml:1.25 un/ml). Flow was kept at a rate of 0.1-5 ml/min. Seeding process involved cease of circulation for 2-48 hrs, thereby allowing the cells to settle on the carriers. Bioreactor was kept under controlled temperature (37° C.) and pH conditions (pH=6.7-7.4); using an incubator supplied with sterile air and CO2 as needed. Growth medium was replaced 2-3 times a week. Circulation medium was replaced with fresh DMEM media, every 4 hr to 7 days. At a density of 1×106−1×107 cells/ml (following 12-40 days of growth), total medium volume was removed from the bioreactor and bioreactor and carriers were washed 3-5 times with PBS. 3D-adherent cells were then detached from the carriers with Trypsin-EDTA; (Biological Industries, Beit Ha'emek, Israel; 3-15 minutes with gentle agitation, 1-5 times), and were thereafter resuspended in DMEM and cryopreserved.
Production of 3D Adherent Cells by Celligen™ Plug Flow Bioreactor (PLX-C)—The production of adherent cells by the present teachings utilizes Celligen™ (PLX-C cells). The process starts by collection of a placenta from a planned caesarean section at term.
Adherent cells are then isolated from whole placenta tissue, grown in tissue culture flasks (2D cultures), harvested and stored in liquid nitrogen as 2D-Cell Stock (2DCS), the appropriate amount of 2DCS are thawed, washed and seeded onto carriers in bioreactors for further expansion as 3D-culture. After 4-12 days of growth in the bioreactors, cells are harvested and cryopreserved in gas phase of liquid nitrogen as PLX-C.
Receipt of Human Tissue
All placentas obtained were received from the maternity ward under approval of the Helsinki Committee of the medical facility. Accordingly, all placenta donors signed an informed consent and Donor Screening and Donor Testing was performed (IPC1). Immediately after taking the placenta from the donor (during the caesarean procedure), it was placed in a sterile plastic bag and then in a temperature-preserving box with ice packs.
Recovery and Processing of Adherent Cells
To initiate the process, the placenta was cut into pieces under aseptic conditions under laminar flow hood, washed with Hank's buffer solution and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. with 0.1% Collagenase (1 mg Collagenase/ml tissue). 2D cell medium (2D-Medium comprising DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS, fungizone 0.25 μg/ml and Gentamycine 50 μg/ml) was added and the digested tissue was roughly filtered through a sterile metal strainer, collected in a sterile beaker and centrifuged (10 minutes, 1200 RPM, 4° C.). Using gentle pipetting, suspended cells were then diluted with 2D-Medium supplemented with antibiotics, seeded in 175 cm2 flasks and incubated at 37° C. in a tissue culture incubator under humidified condition supplemented with 5% CO2. Following 2-3 days, in which the cells were allowed to adhere to the flask surface, they were washed with PBS and 2D-Medium was added.
Two Dimensional (2D) Cell Growth
Prior to the first passage, growth medium samples of 10% of the total flask number in quarantine was pooled and taken for mycoplasma testing (IPC2). If cells were found to be negative for Mycoplasma (EZ-PCR Mycoplasma kit, Biological Industries, Israel), cells were released from quarantine. After 1-2 additional passages, cells were transferred to the 2D production clean room (2DP). Once in Room 2DP, culture was continued for another 3-6 passages. Throughout the process, cultures were grown in 2D-Medium without antibiotics in a tissue culture incubator under humidified conditions with 5% CO2 at 37° C. After a total of 6-9 passages (9-17 cell doublings), cells were collected and cryopreserved as the 2D-Cell Stock (2DCS).
The first passage was usually carried out after 7-15 days. Beginning at passage 2 and continuing until passage 6-8, cells were passaged when the culture reached 70-90% confluence, usually after 4-5 days (1.5-2 doublings). The cells were detached from the flasks using 0.25% trypsin-EDTA (4 minutes at 37° C.) and seeded in a culture density of 4±0.5×103 cells/cm2. The size of the tissue culture flasks raised as the passages proceed. The culturing process started in 175 cm2 tissue culture flask, continued in 500 cm2 (Triple flask) and finally the cells were seeded into Cell Factory 10 tray (6320 cm2).
Prior to cryopreservation, at the end of 2DCS growth period, the growth medium was collected and the sample was prepared to be sent to an approved GLP laboratory for Mycoplasma test (IPC 4).
Cryopreservation Procedure for 2D-Cell-Stock Product
For 2DCS cryopreservation, 2D-cultured cells were collected under aseptic conditions using 0.25% trypsin-EDTA. The cells were centrifuged (1200 RPM, 10′, 4° C.), counted and re-suspended in 2D-Medium.
For freezing, cell suspensions were diluted 1:1 with 2D-Freezing Mixture (final concentrations was 10% DMSO, 40% FBS and 50% 2D-Medium). Approximately 1.5−2.5×109 cells were manufactured from one placenta. 4 ml of the cells were stored at a final concentration of 10×106/ml in 5 ml cryopreservation polypropylene vials. The vials were labeled and transferred to a controlled rate freezer for a graduated temperature reducing process (1° C./min), after which they were transferred to storage in gas-phase of a liquid nitrogen freezer. This material was referred to as the 2D-Cell Stock (2DCS) batch.
Initiation of the Three Dimensional (3D) Culture Procedures
To begin 3D culture, an appropriate amount (150±50×106) of cells from 2DCS were thawed in the 2DP room and washed with 3D-Medium (DMEM with 10% FBS and 20 Mm Hepes) to remove DMSO prior to seeding in the prepared-in-advanced bioreactor systems. The content of each 2DCS vial was pipetted and diluted 1:9 with pre-warmed (37° C.) 3D-Medium. The cells were centrifuged (1200 RPM, 10′, 4° C.) and re-suspended again in 50-100 ml pre-warmed (37° C.) 3D-Medium in a 250 ml sterile bottle. A sample was taken and cells were counted using a Trypan Blue stain in order to determine cell number and viability. The cell suspension was transferred under a laminar flow hood into a 0.5 L seeding bottle. From the seeding bottle the cell suspension was transferred via sterile tubing to the bioreactor by gravitation.
Production of 3D-Adherent Cells (PLX-C) in Celligen Bioreactor Bioreactor Description
3D growth phase was performed using an automatic CelliGen Plus® or BIOFLO 310 bioreactor system [(New Brunswick Scientific (NBS)]. The bioreactor system was used for cultivation of cell culture, in which conditions were suitable for high cell concentrations. The cultivation process was carried out using a bioreactor in a perfusion mode. The lab scale bioreactor was constructed of two main systems—the control system and the bioreactor itself (vessel and accessories). The parameters of the process were monitored and controlled by a control console which included connectors for probes, motor and pumps, control loops for Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, perfusion and agitation (with a motor), a gases control system, water circulation and heating system for temperature control and an operator interface. The controlled process parameters (such as temperature, pH, DO etc.) could be displayed on the operator interface and monitored by a designated controller.
Cell Culture Growth Procedure in the Bioreactors
As noted in the section hereinabove, 150±50×106 cells from the cryopreserved 2DCS were thawed, washed and seeded in a sterile bioreactor. The bioreactor contained 30-50 gr carriers (FibraCel® disks, NBS), made of Polyester and Polypropylene and 1.5±0.1 L 3D-Medium. The growth medium in the bioreactor was kept at the following conditions: 37° C., 70% Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and pH 7.3. Filtered gases (Air, CO2, N2 and O2) were supplied as determined by the control system in order to keep the DO value at 70% and the pH value at 7.3. For the first 24 hours, the medium was agitated at 50 Rounds Per Minutes (RPM) and increased up to 200 RPM by day 2. For the first 2-3 days, the cells were grown in a batch mode. Perfusion was initiated when the medium glucose concentration decreased below 550 mg/liter. The medium was pumped from the feeding container to the bioreactor using sterile silicone tubing. All tubing connections were performed under laminar flow using sterile connectors. The perfusion was adjusted on a daily basis in order to keep the glucose concentration constant at approximately 550±50 mg\liter. A sample of the growth medium was taken every 1-2 days for glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate and ammonium concentration determination (BioProfile 400 analyzer, Nova Biomedical). The glucose consumption rate and the lactate formation rate of the cell culture enabled to measure cell growth rate. These parameters were used to determine the harvest time based on accumulated experimental data.
Harvest of the 3D Grown Cells from the Bioreactor
The cell harvest process started at the end of the growth phase (4-12 days). Two samples of the growth medium were collected. One sample was prepared to be sent to an approved GLP laboratory for Mycoplasma testing according to USP and Eu standards. This medium samples was considered as part of the Mycoplasma testing of the final product and the results were considered as part of the criteria for product release.
The 3D-grown culture was harvested in the Class-100 laminar area in room 3DP as follows:
The bioreactor vessel was emptied using gravitation via tubing to a waste container. The bioreactor vessel was then refilled with 1.5 L pre-warmed PBS (37° C.). The agitation speed was increased to 150 RPM for 2 minutes. The PBS was drained via tubing by pressure or gravity to the waste bottle. The washing procedure was repeated twice.
In order to release the cells from the carriers, 1.5 L pre-warmed to 37° C. Trypsin-EDTA (Trypsin 0.25%, EDTA 1 mM) was added to the bioreactor vessel and carriers were agitated for 1-4 minutes in 150 RPM, 37° C. 250 ml FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum) was added to the bioreactor vessel and the cell suspension was collected to a 5 L sterile container. Cell suspension was divided to 4 500 ml sterile centrifuge tubes, which were centrifuged (1200 RPM, 10 min, 4° C.) and resuspended in a cryopreservation solution at a concentration of 5−30×106 cells/ml. Cells were aseptically filled and cryopreserved as PLX-C.
Cell Cycle Analysis
PLX-C cells obtained by Celligen and PLX cells obtained by Plurix were fixed with 70% EtOH O.N, centrifuged and re-suspended in a Propidium Iodide (PI) solution containing 2 μg/ml PI (Sigma), 0.2 mg/ml Rnase A (Sigma) and 0.1% (v/v) Triton (Sigma) for 30 minutes. Cell cycle was analyzed by FACS.
Gene Expression Array (Microarray)
Adherent cells were obtained from human full term placentas and were expanded Plurix or by Celligen. Three different batches of cells were obtained from each of the expansion methods for further examination.
RNA was extracted from the cells (Qiagen-Rneasy micro kit) and applied to an Affymetrix whole genome expression array GeneChip® Human Exon 1.0 ST Array (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, Calif., USA).
FACS analysis of membrane markers—cells were stained with monoclonal antibodies as previously described. In short, 400,000-600,000 cells were suspended in 0.1 ml flow cytometer buffer in a 5 ml test tube and incubated for 15 minutes at room temperature (RT), in the dark, with each of the following monoclonal antibodies (MAbs): FITC-conjugated anti-human CD29 MAb (eBioscience), PE conjugated anti human CD73 MAb (Becton Dickinson), PE conjugated anti human CD105 MAb (eBioscience), PE conjugated anti human CD90 MAb (Becton Dickinson), FITC-conjugated anti-human CD45 MAb (IQProducts), PE-conjugated anti-human CD19 MAb (IQProducts), PE conjugated anti human CD14 MAb (IQProducts), FITC conjugated anti human HLA-DR MAb (IQProduct), PE conjugated anti human CD34 MAb (IQProducts), FITC conjugated anti human CD31 MAb (eBioscience), FITC conjugated anti human KDR MAb (R&D systems), anti human fibroblasts marker (D7-FIB) MAb (ACRIS, FITC-conjugated anti-human CD80 MAb (BD), FITC-conjugated anti-human CD86 MAb (BD), FITC-conjugated anti-human CD40 MAb (BD), FITC-conjugated anti-human HLA-ABC MAb (BD), Isotype IgG1 FITC conjugated (IQ Products), Isotype IgG1 PE conjugated (IQ Products).
Cells were washed twice with flow cytometer buffer, resuspended in 500 μl flow cytometer buffer and analyzed by flow cytometry using FC-500 Flow Cytometer (Beckman Coulter). Negative controls were prepared with relevant isotype fluorescence molecules.
Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR)
2×105 peripheral blood (PB) derived MNC (from donor A) were stimulated with equal amount of irradiated (3000 Rad) PB derived MNCs (from donor B). Increasing amounts of PLX-Cs were added to the cultures. Three replicates of each group were seeded in 96-well plates. Cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 20% FBS. Plates were pulsed with 1 μC 3H-thymidine during the last 18 hr of the 5-day culturing. Cells were harvested over a fiberglass filter and thymidine uptake was quantified with scintillation counter.
For CFSE staining, PB-MNC cells were stained for CFSE (Molecular Probes) for proliferation measurement before culturing. Cells were collected after 5 days and the intensity of CFSE staining was detected by Flow Cytometry.
ELISA
ELISA was carried out as was previously described. In short, MNCs (isolated from peripheral blood) were stimulated with 5 μg/ml ConA (Sigma), 0.5 μg/ml LPS (SIGMA) or 10 μg/ml PHA (SIGMA) in the presence of PLX-C under humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere at 37° C. Supernatants were collected and subjected to cytokine analysis using ELISA kits for IFNγ (DIACLONE), TNFα (DIACLONE) and IL-10 (DIACLONE).
Experimental Results
The changes in manufacturing with Celligen as compared to Plurix resulted in several major differences (summarized in Table 1, below).
The changes in the manufacturing process resulted in changes in characteristics of the obtained 3D adherent cells. These differences are summarized below.
Cell cycle analysis of PLX manufactured by Plurix compared to PLX-C manufactured by Celligen—PLX-C cells obtained by the present teachings (by the Celligen system) were compared to PLX cells obtained by Plurix (WO/2007/108003) in order to examine the distribution of the cells between the different phases of the cell cycle. As is clear from
Microarray comparison between Plurix and Celligen obtained cells—gene expression arrays enabled to simultaneously monitor genome-wide expression profiles of adherent cells derived from human full term placentas expanded by Plurix (PLX) or by Celligen (PLX-C). These results enabled to asses the molecular mechanism underlying phenotypic variation between cells obtained by these different growth methods (see Table 2, below).
laevis)
Expression of cellular markers on PLX-C cells—the surface antigens expressed by PLX-C were examined using monoclonal antibodies. Results indicated that PLX-C were characterized by the positive markers: CD73, CD29 and CD105 and the negative markers: CD34, CD45, CD19, CD14 and HLA-DR (data not shown). The immune phenotype test specifications were set as: ≧90% for all positive markers and ≦3% for all negative markers.
Furthermore, as shown in
Immunogenecity and immunomodulatory properties of PLX-C cells—as PLX-C is comprised of adherent cells derived from placenta, it is expected to express HLA type I, which is expressed by all cells of the body and is known to induce an alloreactive immune response. HLA type II and other co-stimulatory molecules are typically expressed only on the surface of Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs).
In order to examine the immunogenicity of the obtained PLX-C cells, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules on the surface of these cell membranes were performed. FACS analysis demonstrated the absence of CD80, CD86 and CD40 on the PLX-C cell membranes (
To further investigate the immunogenecity as well as the immunomodulation properties of PLX-C cells, Mix Lymphocyte Reaction (MLR) tests were performed. As shown in
In order to investigate the mechanism of action by which PLX-C immunomodulate lymphocyte proliferation, and to see if this action is mediated via cell to cell interaction or cytokines secretion, PB derived Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were stimulated by PHA using the transwell method (which prevents cell to cell contact but enables the diffusion of cytokines between the two compartments). Results showed that the inhibition of proliferation maintained even when cell to cell contact was inhibited (data not shown).
Cytokines secretion—as depicted hereinabove, PLX-C reduce the proliferation rate of lymphocytes, probably through soluble factors. Further investigation of the cytokines secreted by lymphocytes in response to PLX-C was performed to elucidate the mechanism of action of PLX-C. As depicted in
Based on the above experimental data, criteria for selecting PLX-C batches of cells, which present a combination of characteristics that makes them most suitable for PAD treatment, were defined. These criteria are summarized in Table 3, below.
Analytical Procedures
Appearance: The cell suspension, placed in a 50 ml clear tube is visualized holding the tube against a white background in bright light; the cells are inspected for homogeneity, color and structure.
Potency assay: In order to assess the specific ability of PLX-C to induce the expected therapeutic effect, experiments were performed in order to find a correlation between in-vitro characterizations and in-vivo activity.
Critical Limb Ischemia in PAD patients may occur as a result of atherosclerosis or inflammatory processes. Pre-Clinical data demonstrated that administration of PLX-PAD to ischemic mice, increased blood flow and reduced endothelial inflammation and oxidative stress.
Inflammation reduction and pro-angiogenesis properties of the cells are being evaluated in order to explain the in-vivo improvement following PLX-C administration. Inflammation is the process by which the body's white blood cells are activated in response to stimulation. PLX-C are characterized by their ability to suppress activated white blood cells. This feature is thought to be attributed to the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of PLX-C and may play a role in affecting progress of PAD. Inflammatory phenomena at sites of atherosclerotic plaques are increasingly thought to be major determinants of the progression and clinical outcome of atherosclerotic disease (Fiotti, Giansante et al. 1999). Thus, the ability of PLX-C to suppress proliferation of Peripheral Blood (PB) derived MNCs stimulated by PHA is under evaluation to serve as the potency assay.
In this assay, 2×105 peripheral blood (PB) derived MNC are stimulated with 10 ug PHA/ml Phytohemagglutinin (PHA). PLX cells are co-cultured with the MNCs (1:10 and 1:5). Three replicates of each group are seeded in a 96-well plate. Cells are cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 20% FBS. Plates are pulsed with 1 μC 3H-thymidine during the last 18 hr of 5-days culturing. Cells are harvested over a fiberglass filter and thymidine incorporation is quantified with a scintillation counter. Inhibition of lymphocytes proliferation should be 30±20% (lymphocytes proliferation of 70±20%. Based on the results PLX-C reduced lymphocyte proliferation, although the effect was more robust on Day 5, results of Day 3 are more sensitive to minor variations between the various samples.
Immuno phenotype: In order to characterize the surface antigens expressed by PLX-PAD, the cells are stained with monoclonal antibodies for the following ASC characterized positive markers: CD73, CD29, CD105 and negative markers: CD34, CD45, CD14 and HLA-DR.
The immune phenotype tests are performed using the FC 500 Flow Cytometry System (Beckman Coulter) with CXP analysis Software. This Flow Cytometer conducts 5-color analysis from a single laser excitation.
Prior to each working day with the FACS system, a flow check is run using standard beads, to ensure that the system is calibrated.
Prior to performing each immune phenotypic test, international traceable standard solutions (CD Chex plus and CD chex cd34) are run to verify that all reagent and performance are intact.
In addition, before each test is performed and after adding the appropriate Antibodies, the method is qualified for reproducibility.
Endotoxin: Endotoxin testing, using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) in a Gel-Clot Technique is performed by Hy-Labs (Rehovot, Israel) according to current USP 31, <85> and EP 2.6.14 procedures for biological endotoxin testing.
Inhibition/Enhancement (I/E) tests are performed on three product batches in order to determine that the LAL Gel-Clot method is working correctly.
Assay sensitivity is 0.03 EU/ml.
Sterility: Sterility testing for the final product is performed according to current EP 2.6.1, current USP 30 <71> and 21 CFR 610.12.
The test method; Direct transfer/inoculation uses the set of challenges described under Growth Promotion Test of Aerobes, Anaerobes and Fungi (GPT), including Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
Bacillus subtilis
Candida albicans
Aspergillus niger
Staphylococcus aureus
Clostridium sporogenes
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Incubation containers are kept in a 20-25° C. for TSB and 30-35° C. for FTM, for 14 days. Each test container is observed daily. Items that pass the sterility test are those where no growth of microorganisms was detected in any of the containers over a period of 14 days incubation.
Mycoplasma: A Mycoplasma PCR based test is performed in-process in order to release the placenta from the quarantine area and initiate the PLX manufacturing phase, the PCR method was selected due to the short period required for obtaining results. At 3D Harvest a sample for mycoplasma testing (Agar-Broth Culture Method; JP XIV and EP 2.6.7) is collected and used for product release, this assay is performed according to JP and EP requirements.
Cell counting and Viability: Both the 2DCS and PLX-C cells are counted by the Cedex HiRes which is an automated cell analyzer. Determination of percentage of cell viability is performed manually according to a Trypan Blue staining. Trypan Blue is a vital stain used to distinguish viable from nonviable cells. Viable cells exclude the dye, while nonviable cells absorb the dye and appear blue. Therefore, the percentage of viable cells is the number of viable cells divided by the total number of cells (dead plus viable cells).
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are treated with allogeneic placental PLX-C cells of the present teachings to determine if injections of PLX-C can be used safely and efficaciously to treat critical limb ischemia.
Two phase I studies are scheduled. These open-label, dose-escalation studies will be performed in parallel in the EU and US. The studies design is similar; however not identical, the follow up period and dose escalation vary. The clinical follow up period for both studies will last three months following treatment, however, in Germany the subjects will be further monitored for tumorigenesis up to 24 months in comparison to 12 months follow-up in the US for delayed adverse events. Furthermore, the intramuscular administration of PLX-C to the affected leg in the US, will be injected in one session for the low dose, and in two sessions (recurrent two administrations, two weeks apart) for the higher dose, whereas, in Germany the higher dose will be administered in a single session using an elevated volume per injection of PLX-PAD.
Dosing schedule; Germany:
Dosing schedule; US:
Release Criteria for Inclusion of the Subjects in the Study
The patients to be included in the study need to fulfill the following criteria:
Release Criteria for Exclusion of the Subjects in the Study
The patients to be excluded from the study include the following criteria:
Study Population
Enrollment into the study is limited to patients aged 18 to 81. Patients are selected by trial investigator based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria provided hereinabove.
Screening that can be accomplished without laboratory results (see inclusion/exclusion criteria, hereinabove), will be completed before enrollment of the patient. Once initial screening is complete, the patient should complete a consent form which should be reviewed with the patient and signed. After receipt of a signed consent form, laboratory tests (see hereinbelow) will be accomplished in order to complete the screening process. Patients who qualify after screening laboratory results have been reviewed, can be formally enrolled into the trial.
Study Design Plan
Up to 30 patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) will be enrolled into the two phase I studies
Protocol Synopsis for the US Study:
Data and Safety Monitoring Board
The study will be monitored by an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) that was specifically chosen to include an expert in Cardiology, in biostatistics and in vascular disease to ensure utmost competence and vigilance. The DSMB will meet before the start of the trial, then every month (following enrolment of first three subjects) in order to review the trial's progress, safety data (SAEs) and adherence to protocol.
General Considerations
The primary objective is to evaluate the safety of PLX-C therapy The analysis dataset will include all patients having treatment using the PLX-C therapy and having been evaluated up to the termination visit (12 and 24 months, base on study design) visit (Per Protocol Set or Evaluable Patients). An additional analysis will be performed including all patients receiving injection with PLX-C and have completed 3 months of follow-up (Full Analysis Set or Intent-to-treat). Intent to treat analysis will be performed using the last measurement carried forward in the event of missing values. All patients having the treatment will be encouraged to stay in the study for the full study period. Patients will be allowed and encouraged to return to the study even if they have missed various study visits.
Study Flow for US Study:
02
x7
x9
x10
1Visits 4 & 5 can be performed +/−2 days
2Subject will be monitored for at least 6 hr and followed for 24 hr following PLX-PAD treatment
3Subjects treated in the higher dose group will be monitored for at least 6 hr and followed for 24 hr following second PLX-PAD treatment as well.
4Visits 6 & 7 can be performed +/−1 week and visit 8 can be performed +/−2 week
5Visits 9 & 10 5 can be performed +/−1 month
6Clinical history and examination, including coronary and cerebral circulation
7An ECG will be performed for all subjects treated with PLX-PAD high dose.
8Using the Wagner scale
9Patient scheduled to PLX-PAD high dose will be treated.
10Only relevant for patients treated with PLX-PAD high dose
11Hematology: leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, MCV, MCH and reticulocyte count
12Full Biochemistry for Screening and Termination visit: glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, LDH, cholesterol, triglyceride, Haptoglobin, folic acid, vitamin B12, transferring saturation, serum ferritin and Iron binding. Full Biochemistry for Clinic visits will not include cholesterol and triglyceride.
13HLA-DR & monocytes, Ex-vivo TNF secretion, viral load (EBV and CMV)-PCR, CMV/EBV-spesific T cell response, allo (HLA) antibodies, allo-reactive T cell response, release of surface molecules from EC (sVCAM, sE-selection, VEGF and sICAM), flow cytometric analysis of subsets, CTL function, recall antigen answer, ex vivo IL-10, IL-6, IL-1, flow cytometry CD25++foxp3 and foxp3 methylation PCR
Study Flow for EU Study:
14Subject will be admitted for a minimum of five (5) days following single dose treatment
15Clinical history and examination, including the coronary and cerebral circulation
16Using the Wagner scale
17Hematology: leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, MCV, MCH and reticulocyte count
18Biochemistry for Screening and Termination visit: glucose, HbA1c, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, LDH, cholesterol, triglyceride, Haptoglobin, folic acid, vitamin B12, transferring saturation, serum ferritin and Iron binding. Full Biochemistry for Clinic visits will not include cholesterol and triglyceride.
19HLA-DR & monocytes, Ex-vivo TNF secretion, viral load (EBV and CMV)-PCR, CMV/EBV-specific T cell response, allo (HLA) antibodies (only at screening visit and visit 5), allo-reactive T cell response, release of surface molecules from EC (sVCAM, sE-selection, VEGF and sICAM), flow cytometric analysis of subsets, CTL function, recall antigen answer, ex vivo IL-10, IL-6, IL-1, flow cytometry CD25++foxp3 and foxp3 methylation PCR
20Tumor markers: PSA, CEA, CA-125, AFP, NSE
Patient Disposition
A listing of all patients by disposition will be presented. Patient disposition will also be summarized by visit.
Patient Characteristics
Baseline characteristics of gender, age, origin, body weight and BMI, will be summarized. Comparisons will be made using a simple two sample t-test for the continuous measurements and a Fisher's Exact test for the categorical measurements.
Safety Analyses
Safety will be assessed by listing and summarizing treatment-emergent adverse events, and changes in laboratory analyses and vital signs. Treatment-emergent adverse events are events that first occurred or worsened after injection.
Laboratory Tests
The Principal Investigator must assess the clinical significance of all abnormal laboratory values. All clinically significant abnormalities must be characterized by the Principal Investigator as treatment-related, not treatment-related, possibly treatment related, or of uncertain etiology. All abnormal laboratory values (outside the normal range for that site) judged treatment-related or of uncertain etiology must be repeated. Persistent abnormal values should be evaluated at the Principal Investigator's discretion.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
To ensure accurate, complete, and reliable data, the sponsor or its representatives will do the following:
1. Provide instructional material to the study sites, as appropriate.
2. Provide a start-up training session to instruct the investigator(s) and study coordinator(s). This session will give instruction on the protocol, the prompt and full completion of the clinical report forms, study procedures, and the transmission of data in a timely manner to Pluristem's clinical database for statistical analyses.
3. Make periodic visits to the study site.
4. Be available for consultation and stay in contact with the study site personnel by mail, telephone, and/or fax.
5. Review and evaluate case report form data and use.
6. Conduct quality review of database.
In addition, the sponsor or its representatives may periodically check a sample of the patient data recorded against source documents at the study site. The study may be audited by the sponsor and/or regulatory agencies at any time. Investigators will be given notice before an audit occurs.
To ensure the safety of participants in the study and to ensure accurate, complete, and reliable data, the investigator will keep records of laboratory tests, clinical notes, and patient medical records in the patient files as original source documents for the study. Investigator files will identify whether any clinical report form entries are source data. If requested, the investigator will provide the sponsor, applicable regulatory agencies, and/or applicable ethical review boards with direct access to original source documents.
The investigator has the responsibility of explaining the correct use of the investigational agent(s) to the patient and site personnel, ensuring that instructions are followed properly.
Regulatory Considerations
This study shall be carried out in compliance with the PEI (Paul Erlich Institute), Germany and US FDA clinical trial regulations and according to the “Declaration of Helsinki.”
Injection and Delivery Methods and Rationale
Therapeutic angiogenesis is proposed to be effective for patients with infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease. Patients with critical limb ischemia most commonly have multi-segment infrainguinal disease, often involving the superficial femoral artery and either the popliteal or infrapopliteal arteries.
Collateral circulation most commonly involves branches of the profunda femoris artery. The rationale for thigh injection of angiogenic growth factors is to recruit additional perfusion from the profound femoris branches in the thigh. Since angiogenic growth factors function both by stimulating new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and by developing existing collateral vessels (arteriogenesis), it is reasonable to anticipate that therapeutic use of angiogenic agents will be more successful when profunda collaterals are recruited and/or developed. Injecting into the lower leg, close to the profoundly ischemic portion of the leg is considered necessary and the ischemic environment is one in which stimulated angiogenesis is most likely to occur.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
This application claims the benefit or priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/136,374 filed Sep. 2, 2008, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2009/000844 | 9/1/2009 | WO | 00 | 7/8/2011 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61136374 | Sep 2008 | US |
