2024-07-17 17:35:13
(ANSA) – TRIESTE, JULY 17 – Developing a new therapy capable of completely regenerating the heart after a myocardial infarction, forming new tissue and new blood vessels to restore the cardiac muscle to its full functionality: this is the objective of the international research project Rescue coordinated by the University of Trieste, which involves experts in cardiac regeneration and angiogenesis from Italy, Spain, Holland, Slovakia and Turkey.
“We want to develop a new biological drug, which contains two active ingredients, and in particular two RNA molecules, capable of regenerating the heart and simultaneously promoting the vascularization of the regenerated tissue”, explains the project coordinator Serena Zacchigna, of the Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences of the University of Trieste and director of the Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory of the ICGEB.
The researchers have already identified some candidate molecules, which have proven to be able to promote the proliferation of heart muscle cells on the one hand and the formation of new blood vessels, both small capillaries and larger arteries on the other. Over the next three years, they will experiment with different combinations until they identify the most effective one. It will be the first time – a note informs – that two biological molecules, capable of stimulating these two processes that are fundamental for the repair of an infarcted heart, are combined in a single drug to demonstrate the synergy of action.
The University of Trieste will coordinate the study with the Monzino Irccs Cardiology Center. “Myocardial infarction continues to be one of the main causes of death,” says Giulio Pompilio, the scientific director of the Irccs. “Research has recently produced new RNA drugs that act on the risk factors of infarction, but there are still no therapies that stimulate heart repair. In the coming years, we expect an ever-increasing number of RNA drugs to reach the clinic.”
With funding of 1.5 million euros – of which over 600 thousand are destined for Italy – the project is promoted by the EU Era4Health partnership. (ANSA).
2024-07-17 17:35:13