Applied Immune Sciences Inc. (AIS) announced Monday that itformed a 50/50 partnership with Eriphyle BV of theNetherlands to build the first cell therapy center in Israel.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Eriphyle will constructand manage the operation and AIS will provide its expertiseand equipment for the cell isolation and treatment processes.

In line with similar recent agreements with CaremarkInternational Inc. and the Swiss Red Cross, AIS will shareearnings with Eriphyle and will also receive revenues byproviding its Cellector devices, which are designed to isolatespecific cells from blood.

The cells are taken from a patient and transported to the celltherapy centers, where immune response is increased and thenumber of cells is multiplied. The blood is then reinfused intothe patient.

Jerry Ford, manager of investor and public relations said thatsince nobody else has yet perfected a cell therapy, there are noother agreements like these. "This will set us apart from otherbiotech companies that are developing cell-based therapies,"Ford said. "Our means of delivery, once approved, couldrepresent a fundamental change in the delivery of health care."

Ford could not predict how much revenue AIS will earn fromthe cell centers. Pricing will vary depending on services, hesaid. An exact location for the center in Israel has not yet beendetermined. The company's stock (NASDAQ:AISX) was up 75cents a share on Monday to $17.75.

-- Michelle Slade Associate Editor

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