Dr. Simrit Parmar, an associate professor at Texas A&M University's College of Medicine and founder of clinical-stage biotech company Cellenkos Inc., has developed a breakthrough cell therapy showing significant promise for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other devastating inflammatory diseases. The therapy has demonstrated both safety and efficacy in clinical evaluations involving more than 80 patients across multiple conditions.
The innovative treatment utilizes umbilical cord blood-derived T regulatory (Treg) cells specifically designed to address inflammation, a common underlying factor in several challenging health conditions. Unlike conventional cell therapies, this approach eliminates the need for donor-recipient matching and offers scalable manufacturing capabilities.
Novel Therapeutic Approach Addresses Critical Unmet Need
The therapy represents a significant advancement in treating conditions where conventional treatments have failed. Dr. Parmar's team has successfully treated patients suffering from ALS, aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The umbilical cord-derived Tregs are naturally programmed to resolve inflammation without becoming harmful themselves, addressing a key limitation of adult-derived regulatory T cells.
"If we succeed, millions of lives could be improved—organically, systematically and without significant side effects," Dr. Parmar stated, emphasizing the therapy's potential to transform treatment landscapes for patients with limited therapeutic options.
Clinical Evidence and Manufacturing Advantages
Recent studies published in NEJM Evidence have highlighted the therapy's clinical potential. In April 2025, the journal featured research demonstrating that multiple infusions of Dr. Parmar's technology led to improvement in ALS patients' functional decline. Earlier, in May 2024, NEJM Evidence published findings showing that a single infusion resulted in durable independence from blood and platelet transfusions for aplastic anemia patients, with benefits lasting up to 3.5 years.
The therapy offers three key innovations that address major logistical challenges in cell-based treatments:
- Universal compatibility: No requirement for individual donor-to-patient matching
- Scalable production: A single umbilical cord blood unit can generate multiple ready-to-use products
- Extended shelf life: Products can be frozen for up to three years and thawed when needed
Historic International Partnership Expands Research
The promising results have attracted significant investment and led to a groundbreaking partnership between Cellenkos and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This collaboration represents the first-ever alliance for medical clinical trials between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The partnership will initiate two clinical trials in Saudi Arabia focusing on aplastic anemia and graft-versus-host disease, with plans to expand into ALS and cardiovascular disease studies. Cellenkos will also provide training and education support to the Saudi Research Center in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.
Regulatory Pathway and Future Development
In the United States, Dr. Parmar is targeting FDA regulatory approval within approximately two years for treating certain diseases, including aplastic anemia. She is actively seeking funding for larger research studies focusing on ALS patients in the U.S. market.
Dr. Parmar's transition to Texas A&M University aligns with the institution's strategic initiative to strengthen health sciences innovation. The university system has recognized her work as transformational technology with the potential to significantly impact patient care.
"Dr. Parmar is working on absolutely transformational technology," said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System. "We're proud that she has brought her innovative skills and dedication to improving patients' lives to the Texas A&M faculty."
The therapy's development comes at a critical time for ALS patients, who face limited treatment options and progressive neurodegeneration. With ALS affecting approximately 30,000 Americans and causing significant disability, new therapeutic approaches addressing the inflammatory components of the disease represent a crucial advancement in patient care.
