Core Insights - Pluri Inc. has received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its immune cell expansion technologies, specifically for MAIT cells, which are important for fighting infections and tissue repair [1][4] - The company has also secured a corresponding patent in Israel, bringing its total intellectual property estate to over 250 patents [1] - Pluri's MAIT cells, derived from the placenta, are positioned as a promising solution for treating solid tumors, addressing a significant unmet medical need in immunotherapy [2][5] Intellectual Property and Technology - The newly granted patents focus on large-scale culturing and activation of immune cells using Pluri's proprietary 3D cell expansion bioreactors [3][7] - Pluri's 3D cell expansion technology mimics the natural environment of lymph nodes, allowing for efficient and high-quality immune cell expansion [8] Market Potential - The global immune cell engineering market is projected to reach approximately $11.7 billion by 2030, while the global cancer immunotherapy market is estimated at $136 billion in 2025 [7] - Pluri's MAIT platform not only supports the expansion of MAIT cells but also Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), broadening the scope of potential therapies in cancer immunotherapy [7] Strategic Vision - The CEO of Pluri emphasizes the potential of MAIT cells in immunotherapy and the company's capability to scale production, positioning it for collaborations that could deliver immune therapies to patients [4] - Pluri aims to develop its proprietary placental-derived MAIT cell immunotherapy platform to revolutionize solid tumor treatment and support other companies in commercializing their immunotherapy treatments [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing issues and risks associated with unapproved cancer treatments, particularly the use of NKT immune cells in hospitals, which have not received regulatory approval in China [1][7]. Group 1: Current Situation in the Industry - Recently, multiple departments of Tianqiao People's Hospital in Jinan, Shandong, were reported to provide NKT immune cell therapy for cancer patients, charging over 100,000 yuan per treatment, despite the product not being approved by the National Medical Products Administration [1]. - The Jinan Health Commission has mandated the hospital to cease these unauthorized treatment activities [1]. - A South China stem cell industry insider noted that prior to the "Wei Zexi incident," many tertiary hospitals offered stem cell and immune cell therapies at prices ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, but only a few private hospitals continue to do so now [1][2]. Group 2: Market Potential and Risks - The immune cell therapy market, particularly TCR-T cell therapy, shows significant potential in treating various cancers, with a global total of 6,448 clinical trials registered as of August 2024, of which China accounts for 2,687 trials, representing 41.7% [5]. - The Chinese cell immune therapy market reached 10 billion yuan in 2019 and is expected to exceed 30 billion yuan by 2025, indicating rapid growth [5]. - The cost of stem cell preparation is under 3,000 yuan, while market prices can exceed 100,000 yuan, leading to substantial profit margins [5]. Group 3: Compliance and Regulatory Challenges - Despite the potential of NKT therapy, no products have received formal approval in China, and the industry faces significant compliance challenges, including technical standardization and product quality concerns [7][8]. - The dual-track regulatory system complicates the standardization of cell and gene therapies, as the health commission oversees clinical research while the drug administration manages drug registration [8]. - Industry insiders advocate for improved legal frameworks and expedited processes from laboratory to clinical application to foster industry growth [8][9].