Thanks to funding from Proposition 71, California’s $3 billion investment in stem cell research, and the state funding entity it created, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), there are now 36 human clinical trials in various stages of progress, including a trial for heart disease

Condition: Heart Disease

Accepting Applicants: No
Status: Phases 2 trial in progress

Description: Clinical trial of stem cell gene therapy for heart disease
CIRM Funding Brief: “The company is using donor cells derived from heart stem cells developed by Cedars-Sinai to treat patients developing heart failure after a heart attack. In early studies the cells appear to reduce scar tissue, promote blood vessel growth and improve heart function.” Read more at CIRM.
Current Sponsor: Capricor, Inc.
Principal Investigator: Deborah D. Ascheim, MD
Institution: Capricor, Inc.
Phase 1/2 Filed: N/A
Phase 1/2 Approved: N/A
Cell Therapy Type: N/A
NCT No. / Link: NCT01458405
Completion Date: Projected September 2017

Last Updated: February 1, 2017

As this clinical trial moves forward, we will update this page. Check back here for future developments.

As scientists and patient advocates build on the progress that Proposition 71 has enabled, we must keep the momentum going, understanding that there is still much work to be done. We must remember that human trials will celebrate successes; but, barriers will surface, along with complications and challenges, so patience and understanding of the scientific discovery process is essential. Even the setbacks will provide critical knowledge that will bring us closer to curing or mitigating devastating diseases and injuries. Only with continued support for biomedical research can we increase our understanding of the therapeutic potential of stem cells, and translate that understanding into meaningful treatments that help give patients their lives back.