Context

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI), are the leading cause of death worldwide. Myocardial reperfusion by reopening the blocked artery is helpful but it leads to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an excellent potential candidate for MI therapy as they are both immunomodulating and regenerative. While pre-clinical studies have been positive, Phase III trials remain inconclusive, notably due to the phenotypic and functional versatility of MSCs, as well as varying storage conditions and injected doses.

Benefits

This project has developed innovative cell therapy based on the use of improved allogeneic human MSCs, pre-treating them with a chemical molecule that maximizes their effects once they are injected. The “super-active” MSCs can be used at low dosage levels, regardless of the therapeutic window and storage conditions. This breakthrough strategy will enable the development of a cell therapy product for all patients with myocardial infarction that leads to heart failure.

Applications

Myocardial infarction, post-infarction remodeling