Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSE:PLX) Ltd., headquartered in Carmiel, Israel, is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of protein therapeutics produced through its proprietary plant cell–based expression system, ProCellEx. Since its founding in 1993, the company has focused on applying this innovative technology to the treatment of rare and debilitating diseases, leveraging the scalability and cost-effectiveness of plant cell cultures.
Protalix’s most advanced marketed product is Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa), an enzyme replacement therapy for adults living with type 1 Gaucher disease. Developed in partnership with Pfizer, Elelyso was the first plant cell–expressed therapeutic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition to its lead product, the company is advancing a pipeline of novel candidates, including pegunigalsidase alfa (PRX-102) for Fabry disease, which is in late-stage development across multiple regions.
The ProCellEx platform allows Protalix to produce recombinant proteins in genetically engineered carrot cells under cGMP conditions, offering advantages in protein folding and glycosylation patterns that can improve therapeutic efficacy and safety. This technology underpins the company’s efforts to address unmet medical needs in the fields of rare genetic disorders and immuno-oncology.
Protalix operates clinical, research and manufacturing facilities in Israel and collaborates with global pharmaceutical partners to expand the reach of its products. Under the leadership of CEO David Aviezer and a team of experienced biotech professionals, Protalix continues to pursue regulatory approvals and strategic alliances aimed at enhancing patient access to its plant-derived biologics worldwide.
