iPSC-derived stem cells show strong heart-function gains in a Chinese trial

In a small Chinese study, 10 patients with severe heart failure received injections of their own induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into heart muscle cells. Over 12 months, 9 of the 10 showed significant improvements in cardiac function and six-minute walk distance compared with a control group that underwent bypass surgery; one control patient died eight months after surgery. Some patients experienced temporary tachycardia, but no severe adverse events were reported. Researchers say longer, larger trials are needed to assess long-term safety and benefit.