By Helen Borel, R.N.,Ph.D.
Good News!!! Transplanted cardiomyocytes (human embryonic stem cells derived from heart muscle cells), injected directly into the heart muscle site damaged by a heart attack, improves subsequent cardiac function. So report researchers at Geron Corp.
So, to do trials on animals, Geron is creating enough of a supply of these cardiomyocytes which can ultimately be used in human studies as well.
The good news here, albeit in rats tested, is that this therapy demonstrated via MRI (magnetic resonance imaging - a type of organ visualization) improvements in the anatomy (structure) of the heart and stronger
pumping capacity.
Such results will be revolutionary in the post-heart attack subset of cardiac patients when Geron is able to get their ultimate product into widespread use in CCUs (cardiac care units - Intensive Care hospital wards reserved for very sick heart patients).
CEO and President Dr. Thomas Okarma, a physician, is proud of GRNCM1, Geron's cardiomyocyte product which he expects -- when it is brought to market -- will help many of the more than the three-quarters of a million Americans who suffer heart attacks each year.
In essence, when this product becomes available, the regeneration of injured cardiac muscle tissue may be a miracle on the medical horizon. To learn more about GRNCM1, go to geron.com
(c) Copyright 2007 to 2015 Helen Borel. All rights reserved.
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