Osaka, Oct. 21 (Jiji Press)–A woman in her 50s who received the first transplant of heart muscle cell sheets made from induced pluripotent stem, or iPS, cells is set to be discharged from a hospital in Osaka, a city in western Japan, on Thursday. “A week after the surgery, I can now breathe very deeply,” she told a press conference at the hospital on Wednesday. “I feel alive and comfortable.” The surgery marked the first transplant of a regenerative medicine product derived from iPS cells. The patient from Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, developed acute myocardial infarction in 2022. Despite treatment with medication, her heart function gradually declined, affecting her daily life and ultimately leading to the transplant. During the surgery on Sept. 29, three myocardial cell sheets were applied to her heart. She has experienced no major complications and has recovered to the point where she can walk. “The operation was over so quickly that I hardly remember it,” the patient said. “The first thing I want to do is take my dog for a walk and run as hard as I can.” Yoshiki Sawa, the surgeon who performed the operation, told the press conference that about 10 patients nationwide are considering similar transplants. “I sincerely hope that more patients can lead active lives,” he said. Myocardial cell sheets became eligible for coverage under the country’s public health insurance system last month. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
