Heart transplantation is the gold standard of care for cardiac failure due to an adverse event, such as a heart attack; however, this procedure is high risk, results in significant morbidity, and is limited by the insufficient supply of donor hearts. This technology describes a process in which side population progenitor cells are transplanted into the heart to promote cardiomyocyte regeneration. Compared to heart transplantation, this process would be easier to implement, more widely accessible, and less invasive for patients at risk of cardiac failure.
This technology achieves cardiac repair via implantation of side population progenitor cells that promote cardiomyocyte regeneration within a damaged heart. The cells can be isolated directly from heart tissue or from an alternative source such as bone marrow, expanded in culture, and delivered to the patient via an injection or catheter. The regenerative potential of the cells can be enhanced with a cyclin A2-associated agent to further encourage healing. This method provides a less invasive, easier-to-implement alternative to heart transplantation. It is also envisioned that this treatment could be used as a preventive procedure for patients who have an elevated risk of heart failure.
The regenerative capacity of side population cells for cardiac applications has been demonstrated in a mouse model. An increase in side population cells in human patients with heart failure whose hearts exhibit regenerative ability has further highlighted their role in human cardiac repair.
Patent Issued (US 8,221,740)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR 1886