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Press Release |
Heart Regeneration for Singaporean |
On May 14, 2002, a 55-year-old patient suffering from ischemic myocardial infarction received 25 injections carrying 465 million myoblast cells into his degenerative heart muscle during coronary artery bypass surgery. The procedure, which was performed within an hour, was the result of collaborative efforts by Cell Transplants Singapore Pte. Ltd. (CTS), and a team of cardiac surgeons in Singapore. Each injection carries about 24 million immature skeletal muscle cells called myoblasts to repopulate the dying heart with live cells. Conceivably, the myoblasts will develop and produce proteins to strengthen heart contractility. The patient is now in stable condition. The innovative procedure offers new hope to the hundreds of millions of heart attack patients worldwide. Last year, world expenditure in cardiovascular diseases topped 280 billion USD. Less than 6000 donor hearts were available for heart transplants, today's most viable solution for heart failure. "In Cell Transplants Singapore Pte. Ltd., we have a team of dedicated scientists and personnel skilled in cell manufacturing and quality assurance/quality control," said Dr. Florence Chua, CTS Director of Operations. CTS was established as the subsidiary in Singapore in 2000, with technology transfer from Cell Therapy, Inc. (CTI) based in Memphis, TN USA. Dr. Gwendolyn Fang, CTI's Vice President of Research and Development, directed the technology transfer into Singapore. "Technology transfer has been smooth and efficient." Fang said. "To-date, CTS produces pure myoblasts by the billions in compliance to cGMP for research and treatment. This project will benefit mankind." Professor Peter K. Law, CTI's Chairman and CEO, pioneers the Myoblast Transfer Technology and holds world patents for its applications. He was in Singapore during the cardiac procedure. "Singapore has taken a big step to facilitate the implementation of this technology in the orient," Law said. "Within 6 months, this technology should be developed in Shanghai (China). I envision that we can conquer heart failure within 3 to 5 years." UPDATE: As of July 1, 2002, the patient is doing well. He is now comfortably returning to daily activities that were once limited. |