Gene Therapy Reverses Heart Failure in Groundbreaking Animal Study

Researchers at the University of Utah report unprecedented recovery of heart function in pigs, paving the way for potential human trials in 2025.

A new gene therapy targeting the cBIN1 protein restored heart function in pigs with severe heart failure, a condition previously considered irreversible.
The therapy improved heart function by 30%, significantly surpassing the 5–10% improvement seen in prior treatments for heart failure.
The treated hearts showed signs of structural repair, including reduced dilation and better-organized cells, suggesting reverse remodeling of damaged heart tissue.
The therapy uses a harmless virus to deliver the cBIN1 gene into heart cells, enabling the heart to pump blood closer to normal levels even under stress.
Researchers, collaborating with TikkunLev Therapeutics, aim to begin human clinical trials by fall 2025, pending further safety and toxicology studies.