EU researchers develop blood supply medicine

Published: 19-Jan-2007

A European Union research project called VASOPLUS is developing a new drug that can promote the formation of blood vessels in damaged hearts, without the usual side effects generated by such medicines.


A European Union research project called VASOPLUS is developing a new drug that can promote the formation of blood vessels in damaged hearts, without the usual side effects generated by such medicines.

The initiative, which includes scientists from Belgium, Germany, Italy and South Africa, has been focusing on a signalling protein called placental growth factor (PlGF), which controls blood formation within essential organs.

A European Commission note stressed heart attack patients now use vasoprotector drugs to care for weakened hearts, while blood promoting drugs could ensuring a sufficient blood supply of blood for normal operation. It said earlier tests had focused on the blood promotor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), but its use caused 'serious side effects'.

Participants include Belgium's ThromboGenics and Italy's Geymonat.

You may also like