CRF sponsors Seventh International Conference on Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease

Top international scientists gather for CRF sponsored meeting on ground-breaking advances and pioneering innovations in cell-based therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular diseases

WHAT:

The Seventh International Conference on Cell Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) is a comprehensive program dedicated to the evolving field of cell-based therapies for the repair and regeneration of cardiac and vascular disease, as well as related diseases such as diabetes and stroke. This year's conference will focus on preclinical and clinical studies on the path to commercialization, highlighting the status of molecular, cell, and tissue products in addition to delivery systems.

Noteworthy presentations include a potential role for cell therapy in metabolic syndrome, large-scale studies in patients with heart failure and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and early phase studies with new biologics involving endometrial cells.

The latest conference agenda is available at http://celltherapy.crf.org/conference/agenda.html.

WHY:

Now in its 11th year of clinical trials, the application of stem cells in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases has seen many notable successes, as well as identified challenges that await the next round of clinical studies. Leaders in the field will convene to present their work, experiences, observations, and opinions on the benefits and unmet challenges of cell-based therapies.

In addition, Friday's sessions will focus on developing a rational policy towards stem cell study and utilization. Leading experts will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of stem cell tourism.

WHO:

Course Director
Warren Sherman, MD
New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
New York, NY

Course Co-Directors
Josef Bartunek, MD, PhD
Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital
Aalst, Belgium

Henricus J. Duckers, MD, PhD
Erasmus University Hospital
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Amit Patel, MD, MS
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Marc S. Penn, MD, PhD
Summa Health System
Cleveland, Ohio

WHEN:

January 25-27, 2012

WHERE:

Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center
Myrna L. Daniels Auditorium
NYPH/Columbia University Medical Center
173 Fort Washington Avenue, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10032