Cell therapy company Cynata Therapeutics (ASX:CYP) has announced that a scientific paper describing the use of its Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a model of myocardial infarction (heart attack) has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Cytotherapy.
Cytotherapy is the official journal of the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT).
The paper, 'Pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells improve cardiac function and vascularity after myocardial infarction', has been published online on the Cytotherapy website and will appear in a print edition in the near future.
The company said the paper validates the importance of Cymerus MSCs in treating serious and debilitating diseases.
The paper summarises the results of studies led by Associate Professor James Chong (Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney).
The effects of Cymerus MSCs and bone marrow-derived MSCs were evaluated in a rat model of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion - a well-established preclinical model of heart attack, which leads to severe dysfunction of the left ventricle of the heart. In humans, left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction is associated with heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Rats (14-15 per group) were randomly assigned to receive Cymerus MSCs, bone marrow-derived MSCs or placebo control.
The company said that in cell-treated animals, a total of 5 million cells were injected into the wall of the heart.
"The results were positive and demonstrated the efficacy of Cymerus MSCs in this model of myocardial infarction," it said.
According to Associate Professor Chong, "Our studies found that Cymerus MSCs achieved better therapeutic effects compared to conventional bone marrow-derived MSCs in this preclinical model. iPSC-derived MSCs offer an exciting opportunity for an "off-theshelf" stem cell therapy for cardiac repair, due to their consistency and manufacturing scalability."
Dr Kilian Kelly, Cynata's chief operating officer, said, "We are pleased to see this paper being published in a leading peer-reviewed journal. The studies conducted by A/Prof Chong and his team have generated important insights into the potential utility of Cymerus MSCs in the treatment of heart attacks, as well as the mechanisms of action that lie behind these beneficial effects. This further strengthens the body of data that we have built up in support of the Cymerus platform over the last few years."
