Top Scientists Meet for Global Conference on Stem Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases

Newswise — WHAT: The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) brings experts to New York City from around the world for the Third Annual International Conference on Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases. Dedicated to new advances in this emerging field, the three-day session will feature an in-depth view of cell-based therapies for myocardial repair and regeneration, and cutting-edge research findings. Highlights include: Clinical Focus: Full-Day Programs for the discussion of heart attacks (ST elevation myocardial infarction, or STEMI) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Each will cover the essential topics of heart cell death and recovery, strategies for cell replacement and the results of studies in patients with either problem. A special session on vascular disease and angiogenesis is noted below.

Special Sessions on

* Cardiac Tissue Engineering, including exciting work in heart muscle and valve replacement. * Angiogenesis, including Coronary, Peripheral and Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Late Breaking Clinical Trials

* Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Precursor cells for patients with chronic coronary disease, will be presented by Drs. Silviu Itescu and Suku Thambar. * MAGIC: The first randomized, placebo-controlled study of myoblasts in patients undergoing CABG, preliminarily reported at AHA, presented in detail here by Dr. Philippe Menasche. * OSIRIS-1: The results of the first allogeneic bone marrow cell study in patients with STEMI, presented by Dr. Joshua Hare. * PHACeT Trial: The first "engineered" cell study for patients with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, presented by Dr. Duncan Stewart. * REPAIR-AMI: The largest randomized, placebo controlled study of bone marrow-derived cells in patients with STEMI, presented at TCT. The clinical outcomes will now to be presented and discussed in depth by Dr. Andreas Zeiher. This is a landmark study. * SEACOAST: The first report of intracoronary bone-marrow derived cells for chronic coronary disease will be presented by Dr. Vincent Pompilli * SEISMIC: The first randomized study of myoblasts given by catheter delivery for patients with CHF, presented by Dr. Patrick Serruys

Next-Generation Heart Muscle Cells: Advances in Skeletal, Myocardial, Embryonic, and Bone Marrow Derived Techniques

A Preview of First-in-Human Studies Planned for the Coming Year

WHO: Hundreds of the world's leading cell therapy experts will meet to discuss the latest advances in this area.

Warren Sherman, M.D., Conference Director, is Director of Cardiac Cell-Based Endovascular Therapies at the Center for Interventional Vascular Therapy at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Sherman is a renowned clinical investigator in the field of myocardial regeneration who pioneered a technique for injecting stem cells into the heart. In Rotterdam in May 2001, he performed the first catheter-based injection of stem cells into the heart of a patient with congestive heart failure due to a previous heart attack. At Columbia University, researchers led by Dr. Sherman are using the patient's own myoblasts -- progenitor cells found in muscle -- to repair and replace injured cardiac tissue in a process called myogenesis.

WHEN: January 17 " 19, 2007

WHERE: The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

About CRF:The Cardiovascular Research Foundation is dedicated to research and education in the broad subspecialty of interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine. By establishing the safe use of new technologies and pharmacologic agents, CRF has for more than 15 years played a major role in the remarkable advances in survival and quality of life for patients with cardiovascular disease. By collaborating with talented colleagues from around the world and through the development of innovative educational programs, CRF serves as a major catalyst in the field of interventional vascular medicine.

About CUMC:Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in pre-clinical and clinical research, in medical and health sciences education, and in patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, nurses, dentists, and public health professionals at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Mailman School of Public Health, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. http://www.cumc.columbia.edu