Mesoblast sees positive interim results from heart stem cell trial

Melbourne-based stem cell therapy company, Mesoblast, and its US partner company, Cephalon, have announced positive interim results from a trial of its stem cell therapy, Revascor, for patients with congestive heart failure.

Revascor is an allogenic stem cell product, using Mesoblast's 'off-the-shelf' adult stem cells to aid in recovery and healing following congestive heart failure.

It is injected to damaged areas following congestive heart failure and aids in the regeneration of blood vessels and heart muscle.

The randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre phase II trial involves 60 patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure, and has yielded some good news for Mesoblast.

The study has found to date that patients who received Revascor had significantly less major and severe adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks or cardiac death, following treatment.

Also, no cell-related adverse events were found in any of the 45 patients who received Revascor, suggesting the treatment is safe over the short and medium term.

According to Cephalon CEO, J. Kevin Buchi, given these positive interim results, Cephalon is planning to take Revascor towards a Phase III pivotal trial.

Last month Cephalon purchased a 20 per cent stake in Mesoblast as part of a licensing and joint development deal. Cephalon paid $US220 million for its stake in Mesoblast along with an additional $130 million up front.