Advanced Cell’s myoblast therapy shows positive Phase I results

The trial also showed evidence that the hearts of the patients that received the therapy showed less cardiac remodeling (an increase in the size of the heart that signifies worsening of function) than did control patients.

According to the company, the Phase I trial marks the first time in the US that scientists performed a controlled, randomized clinical trial using catheter-delivered muscle stem cells to treat congestive heart failure, a condition marked by progressive weakening of the heart and failure of the heart to pump blood properly.

The clinical trial enrolled 23 patients with poor cardiac output and congestive heart failure. The control group consisted of 11 patients on standard drug therapy while the experimental group was given varying doses of 30, 100, 300, or 600 million autologous skeletal myoblasts (ASMs).

David Covert, president and CEO of the CHW East Valley Service Area and Chandler Regional Medical Center, said: “Currently, there are no treatment options available to correct heart failure, only those that can slow its progression. Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center are proud to participate in developing this innovative treatment option for people living with heart failure. As we continue to develop our research program, our main focus is to translate this type of research into bedside standard of care.”