Mesoblast implants two with adult stem cells

The first two patients in Melbourne-based Mesoblast's (ASX:MSB) clinical trials have been implanted with adult stem cells.

"The procedure went well and both patients have been discharged from hospital," said principal investigator Dr Suku Thambar, an interventional cardiologist from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, in a statement. "We will closely monitor the patients' progress and look forward to seeing evidence of clinical improvement in a short period of time."

The trial, for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, is one of two currently being conducted in Australia to test the safety of Mesoblast's proprietary adult stem cell technology in humans. The other is for the repair of large bone fractures, and is being done at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Mesoblast's shares were up $0.07 to $1.37, more than 5 per cent, at press time.