PBKM granted 13.7 mln PLN funds from NCBiR to develop stem cell therapy for ALS

The National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR) in Poland has approved the request of PBKM (Polski Bank Komórek Macierzystych) for co-financing the project titled “Development of an Innovative Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Based on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).” This funding, amounting to approximately 13.7 million PLN, will support the project’s total estimated cost of around 23.9 million PLN. The project represents a significant milestone in the advancement of cell-based therapies, focusing on the potential use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord in treating ALS, a progressive
and currently incurable neurodegenerative disease.

The financial support from NCBiR not only underscores the importance of this innovative research but also reflects Poland’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge biomedical advancements. This research project is an important step towards developing a novel therapeutic approach for ALS patients, leveraging the regenerative properties of stem cells. With this co-financing, PBKM aims to accelerate the development of this promising treatment, which could have a transformative impact on the lives of individuals suffering from ALS, offering hope for a future breakthrough in neurodegenerative disease therapies.

The funding was part of InnoNeuroPharm program, initiated by Poland’s NCBiR, aimed to enhance the competitiveness and innovation of the Polish pharmaceutical sector, particularly in neuromedicine. In its first competition, NCBiR allocated approximately 160 million PLN to support research and development projects in this field. Program funded projects focusing on:

• Innovative medicinal products
• Advanced manufacturing technologies
• Novel diagnostic methods and biomarkers in neuromedicine
• Innovative rehabilitation methods for neurological patients
• Development of tools supporting research on medicinal products