The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bathinda has reached a significant milestone by successfully conducting preliminary tests on stem cell therapy aimed at treating heart ailments. This promising development brings new hope to cardiac patients, as the institute pushes forward with research into innovative regenerative treatments.

The biochemistry department at AIIMS Bathinda has established a cutting-edge stem cell culture facility. Researchers at the facility are isolating and cultivating stem cells from umbilical cords obtained from in-house patients, with the goal of developing cell-based therapeutic solutions.

Dean Dr. Akhilesh Pathak emphasized that the Bathinda facility is now the second AIIMS, after Delhi, to operate a dedicated stem cell research lab. “This initiative marks a crucial step in advancing regenerative medicine. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, offering immense potential for organ failure treatment and tissue repair,” said Dr. Pathak. However, he highlighted that the procedure still requires final regulatory approval before moving to clinical application.

The project is backed by the Union Government’s Department of Science and Technology under the Core Research Grant (CRG) scheme, underscoring the national commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

Standardizing Protocols for Cardiac Care
Leading the research, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, associate professor of biochemistry, stated that the team has already achieved significant progress in protocol standardization for heart disease treatment using stem cells. “Our facility has not only succeeded in isolating and culturing stem cells but has also introduced pharmacological preconditioning—a technique using drugs to protect heart tissues during reperfusion. This prevents damage when blood flow is restored to blocked regions of the heart,” Dr. Kumar explained.

Dr. Kumar further noted that while these initial results are encouraging, the final stage will require national-level validation. “It may take about a year to receive the necessary approvals to move forward with clinical applications of this therapy,” he added.

A Promising Alternative to Traditional Treatment
Medical superintendent and cardiothoracic surgery head, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, described stem cell therapy as a revolutionary approach to treating heart conditions. “Compared to surgical procedures or organ transplants, stem cell therapy offers several advantages—such as faster recovery, minimal side effects, and reduced risk of disease transmission. However, thorough validation and meticulous research are essential before we can implement this therapy widely,” he said.

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With ischemic heart disease and stroke among the leading causes of death globally—accounting for 17.4 million fatalities annually, according to WHO data—AIIMS Bathinda’s research could provide a life-saving solution. If successful, the project could shift the paradigm of cardiac care and regenerative medicine, offering non-invasive treatment options for millions of patients.

AIIMS Bathinda’s efforts have positioned it as a frontrunner in cutting-edge medical research, and the institute’s progress is eagerly awaited by both the medical community and patients in need of advanced therapies.

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