Mesoblast MPCs improve function in heart failure

Mesoblast’s (ASX:MSB) cell therapy may be able to improve cardiac function in end-stage heart failure patients receiving a surgically implanted left-ventricular assist device (LVAD), according to the results of a phase II trial.

The trial evaluated the effect of a single dose of Mesoblast’s mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) injected directly into the heart at time of surgery.

It was conducted by researchers from within the US Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN), which is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Results of the trial were presented yesterday at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2013 in Dallas, Texas.

MPC-treated patients demonstrated improved cardiac function at 90 days, as measured by the ability of the native heart to support blood circulation with the LVAD temporarily turned down.

Improvements in cardiac function were sustained over a 12-month follow-up period, with 85% of patients successfully weaned - defined as a temporary reduction in pump speed - for at least 20 minutes, compared to 40% of controls.

MPCs also improved survival outcomes - no treated patients died at the 90-day end point, compared to three of the 10 controls

During the double-blind trial, 30 patients were randomised 2:1 to receive either a 25 million MPC dose or control media during LVAD implantation.

“The results suggest that our MPCs may be effective in patients with advanced or NYHA class IV heart failure, and we intend to conduct further studies in this important group,” Mesoblast CEO Silviu Itescu said.

Mesoblast development partner Teva Pharmaceuticals this month received regulatory approval to conduct a phase III trial of MPCs in patients with chronic congestive heart failure, as part of an Investigational New Drug filing.

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) shares were trading 0.5% lower at $5.99 as of around 1.30 pm on Tuesday.