Longevity & AgingRepeated IV stem cell infusions go on trial for ischemic heart failure in new CATO study
This paper describes the design of CATO, an ongoing Phase IIA trial of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) in ischemic heart failure. Most earlier cell therapy trials gave one dose through invasive catheter routes, even though transplanted cells vanish quickly. CATO instead gives cells by simple intravenous infusion, which makes repeat dosing practical. Sixty patients will be randomized to placebo, one UC-MSC dose, or four UC-MSC doses, then followed for 12 months for heart function and structure, exercise capacity, quality of life, and biomarkers. As of November 30, 2025, 47 patients were enrolled, with follow-up due to finish by March 2027. No efficacy results are reported. The paper presents the rationale and design only.
