Australian Stem Cell Trial In Progress
The Age is reporting on the trial of a stem cell therapy for heart regeneration: "the first in the world using rare adult stem cells known as mesenchymal precursor cells harvested from the patient's bone marrow, in this case his hip. They were then multiplied in a Melbourne laboratory and six weeks later, injected back into his heart. ... These cells have the ability to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels by secreting a variety of growth factors. They also have the potential to salvage existing heart muscle which may be threatened with death due to lack of blood supply. ... The scientists were able to isolate the cells using an antibody and grow them in the laboratory using a technique developed by Australian Stock Exchange-listed company, Mesoblast. ... the two Australian patients treated so far had shown no evidence of side effects."