Stem Cell Hoe in Heart Treatment

By MARK PRIGG

BRITAIN’S first trial of stem cells to treat heart disease being launched in London today.

Researchers at Barts and The London NHS Trust will carry out the four-year study involving 700 patients into whether stem cells can help those who have suffered heart attack and those who have heart disease.

The research, funded by the Heart Cells Foundation charity, follows a study launched by US scientists to inject stem cells into the heart in July.

Ian Rosenberg, founder the charity, travelled to Germany to have the treatment and now hopes the study will make it possible to others to be treated in the UK.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Anthony Mathur, leading the research, said: “These cells could revolutionise the way we treat heart disease and could transform the lives millions of people not only in the UK but around the world.”