NewStem has developed a novel technology for predicting resistance to anticancer treatments. The company is creating a diagnostic tool based on pioneering research in the field of human haploid pluripotent stem cells (HHPSCs), which are used for a variety of applications, ranging from basic research to therapeutics.

Anticancer treatment often results in tumor resistance to the drugs used. Due to the differentiation capacity of pluripotent stem cells, one potential use is to assess the influence of mutated genes on a variety of cells, physiological processes, and drug responses. Human cells contain two copies of each gene (diploid cells), making it difficult to generate cells in which both copies of the relevant genes are mutated.

NewStems findings enable the generation of fully functional stem cells containing only one copy of each gene (haploid cells). A unique and broad library of HHPSCs with different mutations and genetic makeups is enabling NewStem to develop diagnostic tools for personalized medicine.

NewStem is a spin-off of Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.