TheraVitae Named as Technology Pioneer

World Economic Forum Honors Stem Cell Solution for Millions of Heart Patients

Narrator: Researchers say that adult stem cells may become the solution for millions of heart patients each year who have run out of treatment options - common daily activities are a struggle, if not impossible. By assembling top medical and scientific minds, TheraVitae has created new treatments that may not just enhance and energize minds, but hopefully also prolong them.

Presentations at the American Heart Association scientific sessions showed significant improvement from patients suffering from severe angina pectoris six months after receiving the VesCell therapy, as well as 93 percent reported increased ability to exercise, and 62 percent showed improvement in treadmill exercise capacity.

The Geneva-based World Economic Forum named TheraVitae one of its 36 technology pioneers for 2006.

John: I went to a specialist and found out that I had a defective heart valve that deteriorated further.

Bob: Being diabetic, I knew I couldn’t have a new heart transplant, a regular heart transplant. So every time I had a heart attack, then they’d say, “well, we need a new heart but we can’t do it.”

John: My heart almost doubled in size, all the valves were leaking out of the heart, and I had severe heart damage.

Bob: It got to the point last year where I could probably walk about half a block. When I went to the hospital for the procedure to implant the stem cells, it was no different than nothing an angioplasty in the States. You lay down, they do the insertion of the tubes into your heart, and the great thing about it is you can watch it.

John: I felt it within a month. I started walking, I started feeling better, and I knew my heart was getting better.

Bob: I would say that within three weeks, I had a test and my injection fraction was around the 30 percent from 11 percent. I could validly tell the difference, my friends could tell color in my face; I had more energy, in just three weeks.

John: My three-month test was in the middle of June, that required by them that I went to Minnesota; Dr. Sutra as there on vacation. He put me through the walking test’ I set a record. I think I was a quarter mile in six minutes. I even broke out into a jog while doing the test. They said my injection fraction was 18 percent and it’s up to 28 percent now, and still getting better. I go back for more tests in six months. I expect to have my injection fraction up to probably about a 60, right now it’s 28 percent. Now I’m back to playing golf, driving a ball 300 yards. I’m playing great golf; I’m walking and carrying my gloves.

Bob: I feel fantastic, I really do.

John: I feel great. I live a quality life. I’m back in my corporation, it has about 200 employees. I’m very active and I expect to be active for six months to come, still growing and rebuilding muscles. I’m getting better every week. I hit the ball further; feeling better and I expect to be probably 36 to double my injection fraction.

Doug: I think clearer. I can do more physical things; I work out every day with weights. I used to be in really good physical shape, I now am starting to get back there. I am losing weight, I feel better and I’ve had more energy than I’ve had in years.

John: I’ve had heart failure for nine years and I feel better than I have in 20 years. I feel great.

Doug: I probably wouldn’t have been around, at this time, if I hadn’t done this.

John: I’m alive today because of them and their procedure. I want the world to know how wonderful a company they are.

Doug: When I found out about VesCell, and I read a lot about it, I did a lot of research about it, my doctor and I talked about it, there was no doubt in my mind it would work.

Bob: Now I have to admit, when they first showed me the place, I was treated like royalty. They showed me around; they go beyond just taking care of your needs.

Doug: I’ve been in a lot of procedures in hospitals and there was always pain. Always terrible to me; you woke up and you felt pain and feeling nauseous. Over there it was nothing. The people were cool, I’m not kidding. I’ve never had a treatment in a hospital that I didn’t have some pain; this was no pain at all.

Bob's Wife: He had one of the most thorough exams that I think he’s ever had.

Bob: True.

Bob's Wife: The medical care has just been unbelievable. We’ve just been treated beautifully; couldn’t ask for more.

John: I recommend anybody, best doctors in the world, have no hesitation whatsoever, because you will have a better quality life.

Bob: I definitely recommend that someone look into it and think about it, and if they want to get results as quickly as possible, then you have to step out at some time and do it.

John: God has thoroughly blessed my life, my wonderful family, and wonderful people. TheraVitae, because of them and their procedure, I’m alive today.

Bob: It’s been a good experience.

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