What Investors Are Looking For In Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics' Upcoming Clinical Results

Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc BCLI is a stem cell company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenrative diseases. The company announced it will hold a conference call on January 5, 2015 at 8:30 EST to discuss phase 2a clinical results from its trial of NurOwn in amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

An interim analysis was presented in June 2014 at the Joint Congress of European Neurology. The interim data was well received and showed initial safety and efficacy data.

The phase 2a data will not be used in an application for FDA approval because the sample size is not large enough to demonstrate statistical significance. However, it will function as an indicator for the safety and efficacy of NurOwn.

What Are Investors Looking For?

Generally speaking, investors are looking for a reduction in the rate of progression or improvements in function.

Positive data could support beginning a much larger trial.

As CEO Tony Fiorino stated recently: "We are very excited to share the final results of this study. Professor Karussis presented a very positive and well-received interim analysis of this study at the Joint Congress of European Neurology in June 2014, and the final results include data from several additional subjects and analyses conducted by our independent statisticians."

BrainStorm had a transformative 2014.

The company completed a 1 for 15 reverse split on September 9 and an up-listing from the OTC to the NASDAQ on September 30.

Stem cell companies generally performed poorly in 2014. Stemline Therapeutics Inc STML was down 23.74 percent; Athersys, Inc. ATHX was down 46.8 percent; Neuralstem, Inc. CUR was down 9.62 percent; and Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. PSTI was down 30.11 percent.