Improving How We Send RNA Treatments to Heart Cells Grown in a Lab

The DELIVERANCE project represents a pioneering effort in addressing the global health crisis of ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. This project is a collaboration between experts in the field of cardiac regeneration, focusing on innovative RNA therapeutics to boost cardiac self-regeneration.

Ischemic heart disease has far-reaching societal and economic implications. According to the World Health Organization, it is responsible for over 9 million deaths annually. The current treatment methods, involving angioplasty and lifelong use of generic drugs, often fall short of providing a comprehensive solution. Hence, the need for groundbreaking concepts that stimulate cardiac self-regeneration to treat this disease is paramount.

The DELIVERANCE project introduces a novel approach by harnessing the power of RNA therapeutics to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation. Specifically, it explores the potential of a specific microRNA target to achieve this objective. This innovative approach holds the promise of transforming the way ischemic heart disease is treated by addressing the root cause of the disease rather than merely managing its symptoms.

The project's main objectives involve testing three formulation strategies to deliver the new RNA therapeutic to human heart muscle cells in advanced 3 dimensional laboratory models. Successful outcomes could lead to a safer and more effective treatment option that targets the underlying causes of the disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the societal and economic burden associated with ischemic heart disease.