Expanding the Transformative Potential of CDCs (Deramiocel)
Our core therapeutic technology, Deramiocel is comprised of cardiosphere-derived cells, or CDCs, which are an endogenous population of stromal cells derived from cells of transplant-qualified human hearts. The technology was first discovered in the academic laboratory of Capricor’s scientific founder, Dr. Eduardo Marbán, while he was Chief of Cardiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Since their initial publication in 2007, CDCs have been the subject of over 250 scientific publications and have been administered to over 250 human subjects across multiple clinical trials.
CDCs are a unique population of cardiac cells with anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and immunomodulatory properties. CDCs act by secreting extracellular vesicles and factors that modulate macrophage function, imparting disease-modifying efficacy in DMD. Preclinical studies revealed that CDCs benefit both cardiac and skeletal muscle in DMD, with sustained benefits after repeated administrations. Ongoing research at Capricor spans the areas of product development and characterization of potential expanded use of Deramiocel. Deramiocel may be able to work synergistically with the emerging disease-modifying therapies to control those additional pathological aspects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy because Deramiocel's primary mechanism of action is immunomodulatory, meaning it can help balance inflammation in this chronic inflammatory disease.