Pluri is an innovative Israeli biotech company dedicated to transforming cells into cutting-edge solutions that enhance global well-being and sustainability. Specializing in cell-based therapies, Pluri tackles age-related diseases and healthcare challenges by harnessing their proprietary 3D cell expansion technology, which amplifies the regenerative power of placental cells. The company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, upholding the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
Pluri CEO Yaky Yanay joins to explore the innovative therapies the company is developing to shape the future of healthcare and aging, including regenerative medicine, placenta-derived cell therapy for chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, and immunotherapy for difficult-to-treat cancers. He explains the significant advantages of these allogeneic therapies, designed to be administered in any clinical setting. Unlike other cell therapies, they do not require tissue matching or genetic engineering, which are usually produced on a case-by-case basis for individual patients.
He discusses their cellular immunotherapy platform for tumors and its potential to transform cancer treatment. He also outlines the company’s goals in developing scalable, allogeneic cell therapy for chronic diseases such as knee osteoarthritis.
In addition to their immunotherapy platform, Pluri has developed a novel method for expanding immune cells and has been granted a U.S. patent for this work. This technique mimics the natural lymph node-like environment of the human body and ensures that the cells are functional and safe to use.
Jim Roosevelt is a partner at the law firm of Verrill Dana, where he counsels healthcare clients. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Tufts Health Plan. He is a national speaker and author on the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid policy, and Social Security issues.
Among his many notable achievements, he has transformed Tufts Health Plan from a non-profit to one of the nation? ‘s most competitive health plans while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to delivering quality healthcare and community service. He has been recognized for his leadership in advancing healthcare and public service, and he continues to serve as a member of the board of directors of the American Hospital Association and on the Executive Committee of the Boston Community Foundation.
He is a co-chairman of the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee and a trustee of the Cambridge Public Library, the Cambridge Community Foundation, and the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. Jim is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School. He and his wife live in Cambridge, MA, close to their daughter and her family. The couple also maintains residences in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA. Jim is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also an avid cyclist. He and his wife regularly cycle around Cape Cod in their spare time. They have two children and four grandchildren.