The grant work will study adipose-derived regenerative cells in preclinical vascular disease models. This will involve looking into which cells within adipose tissue are optimal for remodeling and promoting growth of both small and larger blood vessels. In addition, the research will explore the capacity of adipose-derived regenerative cells in patients with a history of smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.
Marc Hedrick, president, Cytori Therapeutics, said: “This grant allows Cytori to expand the number of therapeutic applications for adipose-derived regenerative cells. Due to the shared mechanism of these cells in vascular and heart disease, this research will complement and provide valuable insight into our clinical-stage development of treatments for cardiovascular disease.”
John Fraser, principal scientist, Cytori Therapeutics, said: “We look forward to this grant building on the success of our earlier NIH grant. That research led to the clinical trials we are now performing in cardiovascular disease. Successful completion of the new grant may potentially qualify us for additional funding at a higher level that we believe will lead to similar clinical opportunities in other disease states.”