A new study at Johns Hopkins University has shown that stem cells from patients' own cardiac tissue can be used to heal scarred tissue after a heart attack. This is certainly exciting news considering heart failure is still the No. 1 cause of death in men and women.
The study included 25 heart attack victims, 17 of whom got the stem cell treatment. Those patients saw a 50% reduction in cardiac scar tissue after one year, while the eight control patients saw no improvement.
The procedure involves removing a tiny portion of heart tissue through a needle, cultivating the stem cells from that tissue, and reinserting them in a second minimally invasive procedure, according to Bloomberg.
"If we can regenerate the whole heart, then the patient would be completely normal," said Eduardo Marban, director of Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute who was the study's lead author. "We haven't fulfilled that yet, but we've gotten rid of half of the injury, and that's a good start."
Business section: Investing ideas
Interested in investing in the promise that stem cell therapy holds? For a look at the investing landscape, we compiled a list of the 10 largest companies involved in stem cell therapy.
Do you think this industry will see growth from stem cell research? (Click here to access free, interactive tools to analyze these ideas.)
1. BioTime (NYSE: BTX ) : Focuses on regenerative medicine and blood plasma volume expanders. Market cap at $291.95M. The company develops and markets research products in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. It develops therapeutic products derived from stem cells for the treatment of retinal and neural degenerative diseases; cardiovascular and blood diseases; therapeutic applications of stem cells to treat orthopedic diseases, injuries, and cancer; and retinal cell product for use in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.
2. Cleveland BioLabs (Nasdaq: CBLI ) : Market cap at $111.50M. Its products include Protectan CBLB502, a radioprotectant molecule with multiple medical and defense applications for reducing injury from acute stresses, such as radiation and chemotherapy by mobilizing various natural cell protecting mechanisms, including inhibition of apoptosis, reduction of oxidative damage, and induction of factors that induce protection and regeneration of stem cells in bone marrow and the intestines, and Protectan CBLB612, a modified lipopeptide mycoplasma that acts as a stimulator and mobilizer of hematopoietic stem cells to peripheral blood, providing hematopoietic recovery during chemotherapy and during donor preparation for bone marrow transplantation.
3. Gentium: Focuses on the development and manufacture of its primary product candidate, defibrotide, an investigational drug based on a mixture of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA extracted from pig intestines. Market cap at $128.29M. The company develops defibrotide for the treatment and prevention of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), a condition that occurs when veins in the liver are blocked as a result of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, that are administered prior to stem cell transplantation.
4. Geron (Nasdaq: GERN ) : Develops biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure, and diabetes. Market cap at $265.57M. The company has licensing agreement with the University Campus Suffolk to develop human embryonic stem cell-derived chondrocytes for the treatment of cartilage damage and joint disease.
5. Harvard Bioscience: Develops, manufactures, and markets apparatus and scientific instruments used in life science research in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, and government laboratories in the United States and internationally. Market cap at $118.28M. Develops devices used by clinicians and researchers in the field of regenerative medicine, including bioreactors for growing tissue and organs outside the body, and injectors for stem cell therapy.
6. Lydall (NYSE: LDL ) : Designs and manufactures specialty engineered products for thermal/acoustical, filtration/separation, and bio/medical applications in the United States. Market cap at $163.44M. In addition, it offers Cell-Freeze, a medical device used for cryogenic storage of peripheral blood stem cells.
8. Osiris Therapeutics (Nasdaq: OSIR ) : Focuses on the development and marketing of therapeutic products to treat various medical conditions in the inflammatory, autoimmune, orthopedic, and cardiovascular areas. Market cap at $157.26M. A stem cell company, focuses on the development and marketing of therapeutic products to treat various medical conditions in the inflammatory, autoimmune, orthopedic, and cardiovascular areas.
7. Verastem: Market cap at $229.00M. Focuses on discovering and developing proprietary small molecule drugs targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) in breast and other cancers.
Interactive Chart: Press Play to compare changes in analyst ratings over the last two years for the stocks mentioned above. Analyst ratings sourced from Zacks Investment Research.
Kapitall's Alexander Crawford does not own any of the shares mentioned above.
Read the original here:
Stem Cell Stocks: Mending Scarred Hearts
- Embryonic Stem Cells and Disease Part 1 of 6 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Heart Disease [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease by Vescell [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Dr. Klassen - Stem Cells [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2011]
- Repair Stem Cell Treatment for Heart Disease [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- James, Parkinson's disease, after stem cell treatment at Tiantan Puhua Hospital Beijing [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- James, Parkinson's disease, after stem cell treatment at Tiantan Puhua Hospital Beijing [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2011]
- Alzheimer's and Huntington's: Using Stem Cells to Understand and Treat Disease [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2011]
- Alzheimer's and Huntington's: Using Stem Cells to Understand and Treat Disease [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2011]
- Spotlight on Basic Stem Cell Research - Irv Weissman [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Parkinson's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Jeff Bronstein [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- Parkinson's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Jeff Bronstein [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2011]
- Alzheimer's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Rod Shankle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- Alzheimer's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Rod Shankle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Transplant India,Bone Marrow Transplant India,Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment India [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Approach [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Approach [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Huntington's Disease: New Hope from Stem Cell Therapies [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Huntington's Disease: New Hope from Stem Cell Therapies [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Rationale [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Rationale [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2011]
- Huntington's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research 2010 - Introduction [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Huntington's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research 2010 - Introduction [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Politics of Parkinson's Disease - Stem Cell Legislation [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Politics of Parkinson's Disease - Stem Cell Legislation [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Ushers Disease Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Epidermolysis Bullosa: Corrected iPS Stem Cell-Based Therapy [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Sickle Cell Anemia: Stem Cell Gene Therapy - Donald Kohn [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Vince Cincinelli - Stem Cell Patient - Successful stem cell therapy for heart disease [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): Stem Cell Therapy - A Patient's Perspective - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): Stem Cell Therapy - A Patient's Perspective - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Stem Cell therapy cures cat kidney disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Stem cells for Parkinson's Disease, Spinal Cord Injury - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Stem cells for Parkinson's Disease, Spinal Cord Injury - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 10th, 2011]
- Alzheimer's Stem Cell Research Patient Advocate Spotlight: The Faces of Neurodegenerative Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Alzheimer's Stem Cell Research Patient Advocate Spotlight: The Faces of Neurodegenerative Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Tay-Sachs Disease Stem Cell Treatment Progress Shown www.stemcellregenmed.com - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2011]
- Stem Cells for Lung Diseases,Treatment for Emphysema, Emphysema Theraphy, - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Introduction - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Introduction - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2011]
- Parkinson's Disease Stem Cell Treatment - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2011]
- Parkinson's Disease Stem Cell Treatment - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2011]
- Justin - Alexander Disease Stem Cell Patient - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 18th, 2011]
- Heart Disease Patient Describes His Stem Cell Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2012]
- Stem Cell Therapy in Cardiac Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2012]
- Stem Cell Research Today: Larry Goldstein - CIRM Science Writer's Seminar - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2012]
- Stem Cell Research Today: Larry Goldstein - CIRM Science Writer's Seminar - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2012]
- Living With Alzheimer's Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2012]
- Living With Alzheimer's Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2012]
- Experimental Neurology Journal: BrainStorm's NurOwn™ Stem Cell Technology Shows Promise for Treating Huntington's ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Experimental Neurology Journal: BrainStorm's NurOwn™ Stem Cell Technology Shows Promise for Treating Huntington's ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Humex Medical Signs Agreement to Establish Stem Cell Center in Vietnam [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Fred D's Crohn's Disease Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Fred D's Crohn's Disease Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Stem Cell Treatment Kidney Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Stem Cell Research: Huntington's Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Stem Cell Research: Huntington's Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Using Stem Cells and Reprogramming to Study Disease: A Case Study in ALS - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Huntington's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research 2007 - Han Keirstead - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Huntington's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research 2007 - Han Keirstead - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Huntington's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research 2007 - Frances Saldana - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Huntington's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research 2007 - Frances Saldana - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Batten Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - A Father's Story - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Alzheimer's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Leeza Gibbons - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Batten Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - A Father's Story - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Alzheimer's Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Leeza Gibbons - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Huntington's Disease: Stem Cell Treatment Strategies at UC Davis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Huntington's Disease: Stem Cell Treatment Strategies at UC Davis - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Leeza Gibbons: The California Stem Cell Agency's Investment in Neurodegenerative Diseases - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Leeza Gibbons: The California Stem Cell Agency's Investment in Neurodegenerative Diseases - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Endothelial Progenitor Stem Cells in Lupus Cardiovascular Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Living with Sickle Cell Disease - Video [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- U-M human embryonic stem cell line placed on national registry [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]
- Bone Repair Stem Cell Breakthrough Shows Promise [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]
- Bioheart to Present at BioFlorida's Saturday Exchange [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]
- Bioheart to Present at BioFlorida's Saturday Exchange [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]
- ‘U’ stem cell line added to NIH [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]
- U-M Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line Placed On National Registry for Researchers [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2012]