VEGF gene therapy can imporve heart function

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 12 – Injecting a growth factor gene directly into the heart is safe and appears highly effective in treating advanced coronary heart disease, two research teams report today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2001 conference. Both teams described follow-up results of experimental treatments in which each used a slightly different variation of the gene for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This naturally occurring protein plays a key role in initiating the growth of new blood vessels. One team reported two-year results with VEGF-1, the other reported a one-year follow-up with VEGF-2.

Contact:
Carole Bullock
carole.bullock@heart.org
214-706-1279
American Heart Association

Message posted by: Wouter Kalle