Mesoblast Advances Stem-Cell Drugs As Catalysts Approach

Australian regenerative medicines company Mesoblast is working with its partner Teva to move a stem-cell treatment for congestive heart failure into Phase III clinical studies.

Stem-cell drugs remain on the fringe of drug development, but Australian regenerative medicines company Mesoblast Ltd. and partner Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. are pushing a potential congestive heart failure candidate, Revascor, into Phase III clinical trials. If the studies are successful, Revascor represents the kind of blockbuster opportunity that could make pharma manufacturers take a harder look at stem cell-base drugs.

Results of the Phase III trial are still years off, but nearer-term, trial approval from FDA and the European Medicines...