Previous studies have shown that implanting cardiomyocytes can remuscularize the failing heart. However, the long-term retention of cardiomyocytes for persistent therapeutic impact without adverse effects, such as arrhythmia and tumor growth, remains challenging. To overcome this limitation, a study has examined the effectiveness of engineered heart muscle (EHM) allografts generated from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and stromal cells in rhesus macaques and a patient with heart failure . The implanted EHM enhanced heart wall contractility and ejection fraction in rhesus macaques.
Imaging analyses confirmed cell retention and functional vascularization, with no signs of arrhythmia or tumor growth. Remarkably, successful remuscularization following EHM implantation was also observed in the patient. These findings suggest that EHM implantation may help repair heart…
