Prof Noel Caplice, centre, pictured with Minister for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock and Health Minister James Reilly

Around 15% of people who suffer heart attacks have severe ongoing difficulties because of lasting damage to the heart muscle. This often results in patients suffering further attacks and can ultimately cause heart failure. UCC Professor Noel Caplice, chair of cardiovascular sciences, and Professor Rosemary O’Connor, head of the Department of Biochemistry, have developed a single dose of insulin-like growth factor which is injected into the heart to repair damage to the muscle.

The growth factor has been successfully tested on animals and a clinical trial on patients is expected to start in August.Within three years it could be widely available to patients. Professor Caplice said: “The big thing here is that this is world-leading research taking place here in Cork. “The research has been recognized and won a top award in America and if the trials are successful it will ultimately improve the quality and length of life of a patient who has suffered a heart attack. “It will also be financially beneficial to the health service by removing ongoing care costs. After the injection, which would need to be delivered within 12 hours of a heart attack, the muscle can return to near normal levels within two months.

Professor Caplice was in Dublin today to collect a €1m funding grant under the Translational Research Award programme, run by the Health Research Board and Science Foundation Ireland. “This is a big vote of confidence in the project,” he said. Minister for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock, who attended the awards, said: “The focus is on bringing scientific researchers and clinicians closer together to deliver health benefits to patients. This can be achieved by converting research findings into innovative strategies, products or services.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo and Breaking News.