Stem cell company acquires 2 cardiology practices, calling them ‘the first of many’
Hemostemix, a Canadian biotech company focused on stem cell therapies, has agreed to acquire two cardiology practices as part of its ongoing strategy to scoop up clinics and increase the use and ongoing development of its treatments.
The two practices in question are both located in the Dominican Republic. One is owned by Roberto Manuel Fernandez-de-Castro, MD, and the other is owned by Hector Rosario Figueroa, MD. Combined, these two interventional cardiologists have already treated more than 200 patients with ACP-01, Hemostemix’s investigational cell therapy platform. To date, research on ACP-01 has explored its potential to treat a variety of conditions, including peripheral arterial disease, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
The two cardiologists sold their practices to Hemostemix for 2 million shares of stock each. As part of the agreement, they will now assist the company with gaining necessary regulatory approvals and implementing ACP-01 in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
“This acquisition is a transformational milestone for Hemostemix,” Thomas Smeenk, CEO of Hemostemix, said in a statement. “Dr. Fernandez-de-Castro and Dr. Rosario are world-class cardiologists who have successfully treated 200 ACP-01 patients.”
Smeenk also outlined some of the company’s long-term strategy going forward.
“These acquisitions are the first of many, as they enable us to focus advertising and patient flow in a regulatory compliant manner that is financially rewarding,” he said.
The Hemostemix statement also pointed to a 2023 analysis published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy that found ACP-01 was associated with key benefits for patients with cardiomyopathy.[1] Both Fernandez-de-Castro and Figueroa participated in that trial.
ACP-01, also known as VesCell, has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cardiomyopathy or any other cardiovascular conditions in the United States. According to Hemostemix, these are the “first of many acquisitions” as the company continues to seek “profitable, accretive medical practices within which it can add ACP-01 treatments.”
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.