HOUSTON, June 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellenkos™ and The University Of Texas Health Science Center at Houston today announce a research collaboration for application of cord blood-derived regulatory T cells (CK0801) as adoptive therapy for treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders. The first condition to be studied will include Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Patients with GBS who have not responded to standard therapies will be evaluated for CK0801 therapy.

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be a devastating disorder because of its sudden and unexpected onset. Current treatment options are only partly effective and a significant proportion of Guillain-Barré syndrome patients do not respond to frontline therapies. There are no evidence-based treatment recommendations for these unresponsive patients. "This is an exciting step towards finding an effective treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome," said Dr Kazim Sheikh, principal investigator for the Cellenkos, Inc. neuroinflammation research collaboration. "Innovative approaches and application of novel cell therapy for replacing and repairing the defective immune system of patients suffering from debilitating diseases such as GBS can prove to be an important step in our endeavor to find effective treatment for this disease. CK0801 works to replace and replenish the defective regulatory T cells and blocks the constant damage to the neurological system as a result of uncontrolled inflammatory signals. Such an interruption of the neural insult loop can allow for their recovery".

About Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disorder that destroys the protective covering of the peripheral nerves (myelin sheath), preventing the nerves from transmitting signals to the brain. The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown. But it is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances the symmetrical weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all and, when severe, the person is almost totally paralyzed. Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect anyone. It can strike at any age and both men and women are equally prone to the disorder. There are no known cures for Guillain-Barré syndrome.

About The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
Established in 1972 by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is Houston's Health University and Texas' resource for health care education, innovation, scientific discovery and excellence in patient care. As a comprehensive health science university, the mission of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is to educate health science professionals, discover and translate advances in the biomedical and social sciences, and model the best practices in clinical care and public health.

About CK0801
CK0801 is a first-in-class, cord blood-derived T-regulatory cellular product, developed using Cellenkos' proprietary manufacturing platform, which overcomes immune dysfunction by inhibiting key regulators of inflammation.  CK0801 contains healthy and robust regulatory T cells derived from donor cord blood units and adoptive therapy with CK0801 has the potential to replenish the immune system and impact patient care by providing novel, non-pharmacologic options.  CK0801 will be manufactured at Cellenkos' FDA registered manufacturing facility located in Houston, Texas.

About Cellenkos, Inc.
Cellenkos, Inc. is an early stage biotechnology company that focuses on cord blood-derived T regulatory cellular therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders.  

For more information, please visit www.cellenkosinc.com.

CONTACT:
Erin Horne
832-962-7628
erin.horne@cellenkosinc.com

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SOURCE Cellenkos, Inc.

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