[Source: The Business Journal of Phoenix] – Catholic Healthcare West facilities in Arizona will become the first clinical trial sites for a Phase II study using muscle stem cells to repair heart muscle damage.
CHW signed an agreement with Advanced Cell Technology Inc. and received Institutional Review Board approval for the clinical trial, which is expected to begin enrollment soon. ACT’s myoblast trial involves adult stem cell therapy for the treatment of heart disease.
The study is being led by principal investigator Dr. Nabil Dib, director of cardiovascular research for Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Enrollment will focus on patients who are not eligible for angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery, and who continue to have poor quality of life.
“We are excited to begin the trial, which has the potential to be a major advance for the field of regenerative medicine and, more importantly, to patients in need of care,” said William M. Caldwell IV, chairman and CEO of ACT, which has facilities in California and Massachusetts.
“Currently, there are no treatment options available to correct heart failure, only those that can slow its progression,” said David G. Covert, president and CEO of the CHW East Valley Service Area and Chandler Regional Medical Center, in a statement.