COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES USING CELL THERAPY

Abstract

COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES USING CELL THERAPY ABSTRACT This invention provides a composition and method for treating cardiovascular diseases using cell therapy. The composition includes mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), combined with growth factors like VEGF and FGF, and a biocompatible scaffold. The method involves delivering the composition into the myocardium to promote cardiac tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. The invention addresses challenges such as poor cell survival and immune rejection, offering a minimally invasive, personalized treatment for conditions like myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Specification

Description:COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES USING CELL THERAPY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cardiovascular disease treatments, specifically a novel composition and method for utilizing cell therapy to promote the repair and regeneration of damaged cardiac tissues. More particularly, this invention addresses the formulation and administration of stem cells or other therapeutic cells for treating conditions such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and other ischemic heart diseases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain one of the leading causes of death globally. Existing treatments, such as medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes, often focus on managing symptoms rather than repairing damaged cardiac tissues. Heart failure and myocardial infarction, in particular, result in irreversible loss of cardiac cells, limiting the heart's functional capacity. As a result, there is a growing interest in regenerative medicine, especially cell therapy, which has the potential to repair or replace damaged heart tissues.
Cell therapy involves the administration of living cells, such as stem cells, to promote tissue regeneration. Various studies have indicated that stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can differentiate into cardiac-like cells, enhance angiogenesis, and reduce fibrosis. However, challenges such as poor cell survival, inefficient delivery to target tissues, and immune rejection have hindered the widespread adoption of cell therapy for CVDs.
This invention proposes an optimized composition of therapeutic cells, combined with specific growth factors and biomaterials, to improve cell survival, retention, and therapeutic efficacy when administered to patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the invention outlines a method of administering this composition directly into the cardiac tissue, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel composition and method for treating cardiovascular diseases using cell therapy. The composition comprises therapeutic cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), combined with bioactive factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and biomaterials designed to improve cell viability and retention within damaged cardiac tissues.
In an embodiment, the method involves delivering the composition directly into the myocardium through minimally invasive techniques such as catheter-based injections or direct surgical implantation. The therapeutic cells, upon administration, are designed to promote cardiac tissue repair through differentiation into cardiomyocytes, enhancing angiogenesis and reducing scarring caused by ischemic injury.
The invention further describes the use of biocompatible scaffolds that support the therapeutic cells' survival and integration into the heart tissue. This method can be employed in patients suffering from myocardial infarction, heart failure, or other ischemic heart diseases, aiming to restore cardiac function, reduce morbidity, and improve patient outcomes.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the invention.
A method figure is provided to illustrate the administration of the therapeutic cell composition into the myocardium of a patient suffering from cardiovascular disease. The figure demonstrates a catheter-based injection technique, where the cell composition is delivered precisely into the infarcted or damaged area of the heart. The image shows the therapeutic cells' interaction with the cardiac tissue, where they initiate regeneration by differentiating into cardiomyocytes and promoting angiogenesis.
Skilled artisans will appreciate the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed. It shall be understood that different aspects of the invention can be appreciated individually, collectively, or in combination with each other.
The present invention introduces a highly effective therapeutic strategy for treating cardiovascular diseases by using a novel cell-based composition and delivery method.
The composition comprises a combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), along with growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). These factors are critical in promoting angiogenesis and enhancing the survival and integration of the cells into the cardiac tissue.
The therapeutic cells are suspended in a biocompatible hydrogel or scaffold that ensures their prolonged survival and retention within the heart tissue. The scaffold, composed of biodegradable polymers such as alginate or collagen, acts as a matrix supporting cell adhesion and differentiation, while gradually breaking down and being absorbed by the body.
In an embodiment, the therapeutic composition is delivered via a minimally invasive catheter-based injection directly into the infarcted or ischemic areas of the myocardium. This delivery method allows for precise targeting of the damaged tissue while minimizing invasiveness and recovery time for the patient.
Upon administration, the therapeutic cells begin differentiating into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, contributing to the formation of new blood vessels and the regeneration of damaged heart muscle. Additionally, the bioactive factors in the composition promote the recruitment of endogenous stem cells to the injury site, further enhancing tissue repair.
The invention also addresses the issue of immune rejection. The composition may be autologous (derived from the patient's own cells) or allogeneic (from a donor). In cases where allogeneic cells are used, immunomodulatory agents can be included in the composition to prevent immune-mediated rejection.
The biocompatible scaffold or hydrogel used in the invention plays a crucial role in sustaining the cells in the harsh environment of the ischemic myocardium. It provides a protective environment that mimics the extracellular matrix, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.

The method is applicable for patients who have suffered from myocardial infarction, chronic heart failure, or other cardiovascular conditions that result in the loss of functional cardiac tissue. By restoring damaged tissues through cell regeneration, this method has the potential to significantly reduce the need for heart transplants or other invasive procedures.
In an embodiment, the composition can be tailored based on the severity of the patient's condition. For instance, higher concentrations of growth factors may be used in more severe cases of ischemic injury to accelerate tissue repair.
Clinical testing has demonstrated that patients treated with the cell-based composition show significant improvements in left ventricular function, reduced scarring, and enhanced quality of life.
Overall, this invention provides an advanced and efficient means of addressing the global burden of cardiovascular diseases by leveraging the regenerative power of therapeutic cells, biocompatible scaffolds, and growth factors.
Advantages of the Invention
1. Promotes the regeneration of cardiac tissue and improves heart function.
2. Utilizes minimally invasive delivery methods, reducing patient recovery time.
3. Enhances cell survival and integration using biocompatible scaffolds.
4. Tailored compositions allow for personalized treatment based on the severity of the condition.
5. Reduces the risk of immune rejection through autologous cell sourcing or immunomodulatory agents.
6. Offers a potential alternative to heart transplants and other invasive surgeries.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the above-recognized advantages and other advantages described herein are merely exemplary and are not meant to be a complete rendering of all of the advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention.
In the foregoing complete specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and the figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. All such modifications are intended to be included with the scope of the present invention and its various embodiments.
, Claims:I/WE CLAIM:
Claim 1
A method for treating cardiovascular disease in a patient, comprising:
(a) obtaining a therapeutic composition comprising mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs);
(b) combining the therapeutic cells with a biocompatible scaffold and bioactive factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF);
(c) delivering the therapeutic composition into the myocardium of the patient via catheter-based injection;
(d) allowing the therapeutic cells to differentiate into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, thereby promoting cardiac tissue regeneration and angiogenesis.
Claim 2:
The method of claim 1, wherein the biocompatible scaffold comprises a biodegradable polymer selected from the group consisting of alginate and collagen.
Claim 3:
The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic composition is delivered directly into the infarcted area of the myocardium.
Claim 4:
The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic cells are autologous cells derived from the patient.
Claim 5:
The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic cells are allogeneic and are administered with immunomodulatory agents to prevent immune rejection.
Claim 6:
The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises additional bioactive factors selected from platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
Claim 7:
The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic cells promote the recruitment of endogenous stem cells to the injury site.
Claim 8:
The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is tailored based on the severity of the cardiovascular disease, adjusting the concentration of bioactive factors accordingly.
Claim 9:
The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic composition enhances left ventricular function in patients with myocardial infarction or heart failure.

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