Capricor gains $4M for cell therapy for cardiology

A Maryland biotech upstart has garnered $4 million in angel backing to launch its commercial work in developing a new stem cell therapy for cardiology. Capricor will focus on commercializing the research work of Johns Hopkins University medical center's cardiology chief, Dr. Eduardo Marban. The company, which is led by his wife, Linda Marban, is seeking another $2 million in funds. Dr. Marban has been collecting heart cells that can be grown in the lab. By injecting them into damaged hearts, researchers have seen evidence that such stem cell therapies can repair tissue. A number of other stem cell groups are also engaged in a race to find the best stem cells for the process. And new research work is ongoing to provide new proof that the concept will work in trauma centers.