Gene therapy to aid recovery after a heart attack passes a key test – STAT – STAT

By delivering a viral payload of gene silencers directly to the heart, scientists have developed a new strategy for regenerating cardiac muscle after damage from a heart attack. Described in a paper published Wednesday in Science Translational Medicine, the approach led to new cell growth and improved heart function in pigs.

The findings, though preliminary, indicate its possible to prod cardiac muscle cells into regenerating, at least long enough to stave off some of the worst after-effects of a heart attack. If the gene therapy bears out as safe and effective in further testing, it might someday be used to address the root cause of heart failure one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT+ and enjoy your first 30 days free!

STAT+ is STAT's premium subscription service for in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis.Our award-winning team covers news on Wall Street, policy developments in Washington, early science breakthroughs and clinical trial results, and health care disruption in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Follow this link:
Gene therapy to aid recovery after a heart attack passes a key test - STAT - STAT