Data from a 12-month Phase II stem cell study showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk, according to a Northwestern University report. Results also showed that transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.

In the study, researchers injected purified stem cells--called CD34+ cells--into subjects' hearts to spur the growth of small blood vessels that make up the microcirculation of the heart muscle. Researchers believe the loss of these blood vessels contributes to the pain of chronic, severe angina.

Despite the promising results, lead investigator Douglas Losordo cautioned that the findings require verification in a larger, Phase III study. The study was supported by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Losordo formerly was a paid consultant to Baxter.

- read Northwestern University's coverage

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