From the 1997 endothelial progenitor discovery to today's research
Quick answer
A myocardial infarction occurs when a coronary artery blocks and heart muscle loses blood supply. The cell approach EHL Bio describes uses adult stem cells to stimulate vascular regeneration around the blockage, improving perfusion. This field began after Asahara's 1997 discovery of endothelial progenitor cells and clinical trials have expanded since, but it is not standard care in place of revascularisation.
What saves lives in acute infarction is opening the artery as fast as possible via PCI stenting or thrombolysis. Every minute of delay means more muscle lost, so nothing else should be waited for.
Cell therapy sits in the post-acute context: improving perfusion in chronically ischaemic territory, or in heart failure patients not fully responding to optimal medical therapy.
Human trial results worldwide remain mixed: some report small ejection fraction gains, others none. Researchers broadly agree any benefit comes from secreted factors rather than cells becoming new cardiomyocytes.
Interested patients should ask about pre-assessment — echocardiography, perfusion imaging and current medications — and note that risk-reducing drugs such as statins, aspirin and beta blockers must continue as prescribed.
No evidence of erasing scar. Research focuses on improving perfusion in surrounding tissue.
No. Opening the blocked artery is life-saving and must come first.
Studies exist in this group, but patient selection and cardiologist supervision are essential.
It depends on cell type and delivery; older myoblast studies reported it, so monitoring after the procedure is required.
Last updated: 2026-08-28 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.
Back to categoriesRelated topics: Kidney, liver, heart, lung