Embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes are not ready for human trials

Abstract

Recently, a preclinical report assessed the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of using human embryonic stem cells to regenerate infarcted myocardium in a nonhuman primate model. This commentary evaluates that study by pointing out key weaknesses, offering an alternative perspective, and summarizing major unresolved issues. Our conclusion is that significant challenges remain before human embryonic stem cells are ready for use in clinical trials. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.