Small Trial Tests Stem Cell Heart Patch in Advanced Heart Failure Patients
A small trial found that BioVAT patches made from induced pluripotent stem cells thickened heart walls and increased pumping ability in patients with advanced heart failure. Researchers described the result as a very good first step.
rnz.co.nzA stem cell-based heart patch called BioVAT improved pumping ability in patients with advanced heart failure, according to a small trial reported by STAT on May 27, 2026. Patients who received patches of heart muscle engineered from induced pluripotent stem cells showed thickened, re-muscularized heart walls.
Their hearts pumped more effectively and they reported modestly improved quality of life.
Hearts cannot regenerate weakened muscle after a heart attack or other cardiovascular damage. Medications, including newer obesity drugs, have improved symptom management, but many patients require either a heart transplant or implantation of a heart device. BioVAT was developed as a potential bridge to transplant or to a left ventricular assist device in end-stage heart failure.
The patch supplies biological ventricular assist tissue to support heart function while patients wait for those procedures. Researchers told STAT that the BioVAT trial result is a very good first step. A larger trial is planned to identify the best candidates for the approach and to assess how long the benefit lasts.
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