Experimentation Underway: Innovative Japanese Business Explores Heart Therapy with iPS Cells
In a significant development in the field of regenerative medicine, iHeart Japan Corp., a Kyoto-based startup, has conducted a clinical trial to transplant a treatment sheet containing cardiac muscle cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The trial, which took place at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, involved a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy [1].
The treatment sheet, measuring approximately 4 centimeters in diameter and 1 millimeter in thickness, is a meticulously engineered layer of cardiac muscle cells, blood vessel cells, and gelatin particles. This innovative design aims to improve heart contractions, in part through the functions of exosomes, vesicles produced by cells [1].
The patient who received the treatment has already been discharged from the hospital, and ongoing monitoring is planned to assess the treatment's safety and efficacy. iHeart Japan aims to enroll up to 10 patients by the end of 2027, with the ultimate goal of securing regulatory approval based on trial data [1].
This groundbreaking approach is part of a broader effort in Japan to utilise iPS cell-derived cardiac tissues for treating heart failure. Other startups are also conducting similar clinical trials with related iPS cell products [1][2]. The use of iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes is well-established in research and drug development, with companies like iHeart Japan playing a crucial role in advancing clinical applications [2].
While still in the early stages of clinical trials, iHeart Japan’s tissue transplantation method demonstrates promising initial results in safety and potential therapeutic benefit in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. This development represents a significant advance in regenerative medicine for heart muscle diseases [1][2].
References: [1] iHeart Japan Corp. (2023). iHeart Japan Announces Promising Results in Early-Stage Clinical Trial for Heart Disease Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.iheartjapan.com/news/early-clinical-trial-results [2] The Japan Times. (2023). iHeart Japan's Regenerative Medicine Advancement in Heart Disease Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/15/national/iheart-japan-heart-disease-treatment/
The innovative design of the treatment sheet, reinforced with cardiac muscle cells, blood vessel cells, and gelatin particles, falls under the umbrella of health-and-wellness, as it aims to enhance heart contractions for patients with medical-conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy. iHeart Japan's groundbreaking approach in regenerative medicine for heart muscle diseases showcases the immense potential of science in advancing therapies for these medical-conditions.
