Progress                                                 

At the Stem Cell Research Center, we are bridging the gap between basic science and clinical care by identifying, characterizing, and developing therapeutic uses for stem cells.  Clinical trials are already under way.  With partners in Toronto, Canada, we’re investigating the use of autologous muscle-derived stem cells as a treatment for stress urinary incontinence.  Women participating in the trial have a pea-sized piece of muscle removed from their thighs. 

The specimens are shipped to Cook MyoSite in Pittsburgh, where the stem cells are isolated and expanded to a population of nearly 20 million cells.  These are returned to the trial site, where they are injected into the patient’s dysfunctioning bladder sphincter muscle.  Preclinical animal model studies indicated that transplants of these cells result in functioning smooth muscle that renews the ability to hold back urine.

In addition, Center director Dr. Johnny Huard recently demonstrated that muscle-derived stem cells have the same capacity for self-renewal as embryonic stem cells, retaining their phenotype through 200 population doublings.  This work is proof that muscle-derived stem cells are a viable vehicle for cell therapies.