Year 1

This project aims to demonstrate both safety and efficacy of a heart-derived cell product in patients who have experienced a heart attack either recently or in the past by conducting a mid-stage (Phase II) clinical trial. The cell product is manufactured using heart tissue obtained from a healthy donor and can be used in most other individuals. Its effect is thought to be long-lasting (months-years) although it is expected to be cleared from the body relatively quickly (weeks-months). Treatment is administered during a single brief procedure, requiring a local anesthetic and insertion of a tube (or catheter) into the heart. The overriding goal for the product is to prevent patients who have had a heart attack from deteriorating over time and developing heart failure, a condition which is defined by the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently and one which affects millions of Americans. At the outset of the project, a Phase I trial was underway. By the close of the current reporting period, the Phase 1 trial had reached its main safety endpoint, and the Phase II trial was approved to proceed. Fourteen patients were treated with the heart-derived cell product as part of Phase I. The safety endpoint for the trial was pre-defined and took into consideration the following: inflammation in the heart accompanied by an immune response, death due to abnormal heart rhythms, sudden death, repeat heart attack, treatment for symptoms of heart failure, need for a heart assist device, and need for a heart transplant. Both an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) and CIRM agreed that Phase I met its safety endpoint and that Phase II was approved to proceed. The Phase I participants continue to be monitored for safety and efficacy. Meanwhile, the manufacturing processes established to create cell products for use in Phase I, were employed to create cell products in anticipation of Phase II. A supply of products was readied for use in Phase II. Also in anticipation of Phase II, a number of clinical sites were readied for participation. Manufacturing data and trial status updates were also provided to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).