Mesenchymal Precursor Cells as Adjunctive Therapy in Recipients of Contemporary Left Ventricular Assist Devices

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells (MPC) injected during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation may contribute to myocardial recovery. This trial explores the safety and efficacy of this strategy. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this multi-center, double-blind, sham-procedure controlled trial, 30 patients were randomized (2:1) to intramyocardial injection of 25M MPCs or medium during LVAD implantation. The primary safety endpoint was incidence of infectious myocarditis, myocardial rupture, neoplasm, hypersensitivity reaction, and immune sensitization (90 days post-randomization). Key efficacy endpoints were functional status and ventricular function, while temporarily weaned from LVAD support (90 days post-randomization). Patients were followed until transplant or 12 months post-randomization, whichever came first. Mean age was 57.4 (±13.6) years, mean LVEF 18.1%, and 66.7% were destination therapy LVADs. No safety events were observed. Successful temporary LVAD weaning was achieved in 50% of MPC and 20% of control patients at 90 days (p=0.24); the posterior probability that MPCs increased the likelihood of successful weaning is 93%. At 90 days, 3 deaths occurred in control and none in MPC patients. Mean LVEF following successful wean was 24.0% (MPC=10) and 22.5% (Control=2) (p=0.56). At 12 months, 30% of MPC and 40% of control patients were successfully temporarily weaned from LVAD support (p=0.69) and 6 deaths occurred in MPC patients. Donor-specific HLA sensitization developed in 2 MPC and 3 control patients and resolved by 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary trial, administration of MPCs appeared to be safe and there was a potential signal of efficacy. Future studies will evaluate the potential for higher or additional doses to enhance the ability to wean LVAD recipients off support. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT01442129