Guidant Corporation, a US-based company involved in design and development of cardiovascular medical products, announced a collaboration with Columbia University Medical Centre and Stony Brook University to study a new gene therapy that may ultimately provide a better understanding of how genetically engineered cells can help pace the heart.

According to Guidant release, this five-year, phased investment will build on recent research conducted at these prestigious universities. The goal of the programme is to develop better treatment choices for people with heart disease. Terms of the investment are not being disclosed.

"We are very excited about the scientific possibilities that gene therapy may provide and welcome this association with Columbia and Stony Brook Universities," said Dr. Beverly Lorell, chief medical and technology officer, Guidant Corporation. He added, "Guidant has a history of supporting innovative research that brings new therapy options to physicians and their patients. We look forward to deliberately moving the idea of a biological pacemaker from proof-of-concept to first human application."

Research will be conducted at four laboratories at the universities, those of Drs. Michael R Rosen and Richard B Robinson at Columbia, and Ira S Cohen and Peter R Brink at Stony Brook. Research will explore development of a cell-based biological pacemaker, which may advance the treatment of heart disease by utilizing advanced gene therapy. Preclinical studies have shown that when engineered cells are placed in a specific region of the heart, they communicate directly with the heart muscle cells. The engineered cells provide an ionic current that stimulates the heart to generate a heartbeat similar to that of the heart's natural pacemaker.

"We are proud of our partnership with Guidant, which will help scientists at these two universities perform critical research with the ultimate goal of saving lives," said Dr. Michael Rosen, Columbia University. "Guidant's commitment to medical science is to be commended."