Aug 26, 2004
Guidant Sponsors Biological Pacemaker Research with Columbia and Stony Brook Universities

Collaboration Explores Advanced Applications for Gene Therapy to Benefit Heart Patients

Indianapolis, Ind. and St. Paul, Minn. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT) today announced a collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center 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. This five-year, phased investment will build on recent research conducted at these prestigious universities. The goal of the program 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. "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.

"This collaboration reaffirms our strong commitment to innovative research and development that brings forward advanced treatments for heart disease," said Fred McCoy, president, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Guidant Corporation. "We are determined to invest aggressively in far-reaching, long-term opportunities in the expansive space of cardiac rhythm management."

"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."