BTN News: Researchers at Osaka University, led by Professor Emeritus Yoshiki Sawa, have made great progress in regenerative medicine. They have created heart patches from stem cells. These patches can replace heart transplants for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Understanding Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and How It Affects People
Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrow. It affects around 220,000 people every year in Mexico. The condition has a high death rate of 78%.
Using Stem Cell Technology to Create New Heart Tissues
Sawa’s team uses stem cells in their patches. These cells can change into different types of cells. When applied to the heart muscle, they help it heal and work better.
A New Solution for Heart Patients Who Need Transplants
These patches can be a good option instead of heart transplants or heart pumps. They hope to sell these patches in three years. The first estimated cost is 86,000 euros, but this needs approval from the Japanese government.
Trials Show Success and Future Looks Bright
So far, eight patients in Japan have used these patches successfully. The scientific community finds the results promising. This is important for Japan, where it is hard to find organ donors. If approved, Japan will be the first to sell this heart healing technology.
History and Background of Stem Cell Technology
Stem cells called iPS cells can be reprogrammed to become different types of cells. This idea won a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2012 because of Shinya Yamanaka’s work. These cells worked well in pig trials. Inspired by this, Sawa started human trials and his team became leaders in this field.
Working with Other Companies and Looking Ahead
Biotech companies PorMedTec and eGenesis work on making pigs ready for organ transplants. In 2023, they said only 3% of people needing transplants got them. Sawa’s heart patches could help many more people.
In a recent visit to Sawa’s lab in Osaka, he showed the patches in culture plates. He highlighted their life-saving potential. With the Osaka Expo 2025 coming up, the “iPS heart” is expected to be a main attraction. This will show how biotechnology and regenerative medicine can give new hope to patients around the world.
Conclusion
This new development in regenerative medicine by Osaka University offers a promising alternative to heart transplants. With successful trials and the hope of selling soon, this technology could change treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy, especially in countries with few organ donors.
