Aldagen Therapies Look Solid

Researchers from Durham-based Aldagen have reported positive early clinical study results for two of the firm's lead products, stem cell therapies designed to improve blood flow to the limbs and hearts of people suffering from circulatory problems.

Aldagen is a biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary regenerative cell therapies that target unmet medical needs.

The results of the Phase I/II clinical trials, reported in poster presentations at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009 in Orlando, show Aldagen's ALD-201 and ALD-301 were well tolerated, increased blood flow and improved patients' clinical status.

ALD-201 targets patients with ischemic heart failure and ALD-301 is being developed to treat patients with reduced blood flow to the limbs, a condition called called critical limb ischemia

"We are very excited with the results" from the studies, said Emerson Perin, M.D., PhD, FACC, the Texas Heart Institute's director of clinical research for cardiovascular medicine and medical director of its Stem Cell Center, who gave the poster presentations.

Aldagen recently renewed its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue an initial public offering of stock. When the company explored the IPO listing on the Nasdaq exchange in May 2008 it was reported to have the potential of raising $80.5 million. The company has reportedly raised some $56 million in venture capital.