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Gene therapy for cardiovascular angiogenesis

Larry J Diaz-Sandoval1, Douglas W Losordo

  • 1Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiovascular Research, St Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston, Tufts University School of Medicine, 736 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02135, USA.

Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|July 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular gene therapy using vascular endothelial growth factor shows promise for treating ischaemic heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. Further Phase III trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in patients with unmet therapeutic needs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction underpin cardiovascular disorders like ischaemic heart disease (IHD), a leading cause of death.
  • Current treatments include pharmacotherapy, interventions, and surgery, but significant unmet needs remain for refractory cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of cardiovascular gene therapy (GT) with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
  • To address unmet needs in treating IHD, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), restenosis, and neuropathies.

Main Methods:

  • Preclinical studies and Phase I/II clinical trials investigating VEGF-based gene therapy.
  • Assessment of improved perfusion and reduced ischaemia in models and patients.

Main Results:

  • VEGF gene therapy demonstrated improved perfusion and reduced ischaemia in preclinical IHD models.
  • Phase I and II trials indicated safety and therapeutic potential for IHD, PAD, restenosis, and neuropathies.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular gene therapy with VEGF shows promise for various ischaemic conditions.
  • Phase III clinical trials are warranted to further validate the efficacy and safety of this approach.

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