Thrombotech began patient enrollment in its Phase IIa ischemic stroke clinical trial

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hadasit Bio-Holdings, Ltd. - (OTCBB: HADSY), a publicly traded portfolio of biotech companies, all based on intellectual property developed and owned by Hadassah University Hospital, Israel's foremost medical research center, and Clal Biotechnology Industries (TASE: CBI) announced a significant clinical advancement in their portfolio company, Thrombotech ( 24% and 42% ownership, respectively).

The Company recently began its Phase IIa clinical trial with lead product THR-18 to be conducted on patients with ischemic stroke in seven medical centers throughout Europe, India and Israel.

Dr. Isaac Lamensdorf, CEO of Thrombotech said, "The start of a Phase IIa clinical trial is a significant milestone for the Company and its technology. In addition to the lead indication, stroke - which represents a huge market of its own without sufficient effective drugs - our product may also be an effective treatment in acute myocardial infarction (MI), and chronic lung diseases - diseases that have large target markets estimated at billions of dollars annually. The current trial is set to demonstrate and prove the clinical effectiveness of the product and provide a basis for collaboration discussions with large, international pharmaceutical companies. We believe the Company, chaired by Professor Marian Gorecki, can continue to utilize the inherent potential presented by the technology. "

The purpose of this trial is to test safety and efficacy in treating patients suffering from an ischemic stroke.  The trial will be in the form of a multi-center, randomized, double-blind trial that will enroll approximately 25 patients to be divided into three groups. One group will receive the current medication for treating ischemic stroke, tPA, and the other two groups will be treated with Thrombotech's drug (two different doses) in combination with tPA. Evaluation of the trial will be completed within a year.

The Company's leading product is based on the research done by Professor Abed Hijazi of the Hadassah Ein - Karem Hospital. The Company has recently completed a successful Phase I clinical trial at the Hadassah Clinical Research Center (HCRC).  The Ofer Brothers have also invested in the Company through their subsidiary 'Ofer- Hi-tech'. The Company is also supported by the Office of the Chief Scientist.

About Clal Biotechnology Industries:
Clal Biotechnology Industries (TASE: CBI) is Israel's largest active life sciences investment company. The company, operates with an industrial-business orientation, and has significant holdings in companies in advanced stages of clinical development in a variety of fields. The company benefits from cooperation among its major shareholders (Clal Industries and Teva) and is managed by ARTE. It's major portfolio companies are: Andromeda (84%), MediWound (50%), D - Pharm (46%), CureTech (37%) and Gamida Cell (20%).

About Hadasit Bio-Holdings:
Hadasit Bio-Holdings Ltd., established in 2006, is the publicly traded subsidiary of Hadasit Ltd. - the technology transfer company of the Hadassah University Hospital, Israel's foremost medical research center.  The Company was established for the purpose of promoting and commercializing the intellectual property and R&D capabilities generated by Hadassah.

HADSY is the domestically traded ADR of Hadasit Bio-Holdings, a public investment vehicle representing a portfolio of biotech companies, all based on inventions developed at Hadassah.  

Hadasit Bio-Holdings focuses on advancing companies that are past successful preclinical trials and close to completion of Phase I/II clinical trials. The portfolio companies develop drugs with blockbuster potential (markets that are worth over a billion dollars) and operate in the fields of cancer, inflammatory diseases and tissue regeneration using stem cells - areas in which the Hadassah Hospital has extensive knowledge and recognition as a global leader.

For more information please visit: www.hbl.co.il.

About Thrombotech Technologies Ltd.:
Thrombotech's technology is based on research conducted by Professor Abd el - Raouf Hijazi of the Hadassah Ein - Karem Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania. The company was founded and worked within the Nayot incubator and is managed by Dr. Isaac Lamensdorf.

Investor Contact
KCSA Strategic Communications
Jeff Corbin / Rob Fink
jcorbin@kcsa.com / rfink@kcsa.com
(212) 896-1206

SOURCE Hadasit Bio-Holdings, Ltd.

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