INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of the most promising medical research conducted to treat diseases of the brain, heart, and circulatory system is moving too slowly to help millions of patients, according to the Cell Therapy Foundation, which advocates the use of adult stem cells to dramatically impact and improve the condition of patients who suffer from a variety of conditions.

A Cell Therapy Foundation analysis of current clinical trials points to a critical need: more federal, private, and philanthropic funding for adult stem cell clinical trials. Key gaps exist between breakthrough developments in basic research and translation to patients, revealing the essential need for funding in this area. 

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Patients with chronic heart failure given injections of their own bone marrow stem cells have better heart function and live longer, German researchers said Sunday.

The beneficial effects of the cell therapy were seen within three months and continued for five years, according to findings from one of the biggest studies to date on using stem cell therapy to treat heart conditions.

For years, doctors have tried to use various forms of stem cells to treat damaged hearts, with varying results.

The latest findings are still not conclusive but lead researcher Bodo-Eckehard Strauer of Duesseldorf's Heinrich Heine University said the long-term benefits were encouraging.

Previous studies have suggested that cell therapy can be effective in patients who have suffered a heart attack. The new research indicates it could also play a role in patients with chronic heart failure.

Eight years ago, the rotator cuff on Tom Novak's left shoulder tore.

After surgery to repair the injury and the biceps tendonitis that came with the tear, Novak underwent six months of physical therapy to regain proper motion.

Then this year, the same thing happened again - this time to his right shoulder.

"It was probably a combination of wear and tear and throwing around 50 pound bags," the 70-year-old Southport resident said, recalling the sharp, shooting pain that ripped though his arm one afternoon in June when he was working around the house.

"I realized something had gone wrong because I couldn't pick up the drill," he said. "I could not lift my hand higher than my waist."

But this time around after the surgery, Novak the recovery was noticeably different.