Pluristem Therapeutics Inc., a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapy products, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted the Company’s PLX-PAD cells Orphan Drug Designation in the treatment of severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is among the most common medical complications of pregnancy and a leading cause of premature births, stillbirths and neonatal and maternal deaths. There is no cure except delivery. Due to high risks to the mother, women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia are usually delivered promptly, even if the baby will be born prematurely and may suffer permanent disabilities as a result. Severe preeclampsia occurs in approximately 1% of pregnancies in Western countries.

