Scientists Find RNA Therapy Improves Heart Recovery Following Injury

A new study published in Science describes a promising RNA-based therapy that may help the heart repair itself after a Heart Attack. Researchers from Columbia University developed an innovative treatment designed to enhance the heart’s natural ability to protect and regenerate damaged tissue.

After a heart attack, blocked arteries can often be reopened using procedures such as stents, restoring blood flow. However, heart muscle cells that die during the event usually cannot regenerate, leaving permanent damage that can eventually lead to Heart Failure. Scientists have long searched for ways to stimulate the heart’s limited repair capacity.

The research team focused on Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), a hormone known to promote blood vessel growth, reduce inflammation, and limit scar formation. In newborn mammals, ANP levels increase sharply after heart injury, helping the heart regenerate. In adults, however, production of this molecule is much lower, reducing the heart’s ability to heal.

To address this limitation, researchers developed a therapy using Self Amplifying RNA (saRNA) packaged inside lipid nanoparticles. Instead of delivering the drug directly to the heart, the particles are injected into a muscle in the arm or thigh. Muscle cells then produce an inactive precursor molecule called Pro Atrial Natriuretic Peptide, which circulates through the bloodstream.

Once the molecule reaches the heart, it is activated by Corin, an enzyme that is far more abundant in cardiac tissue than in other organs. This targeted activation allows the therapy to work specifically in the heart without invasive procedures.

In laboratory studies involving both small and large animals, a single injection significantly reduced scarring and improved heart function. The treatment’s effects lasted for at least four weeks.

Researchers believe this approach could eventually provide a less invasive and more affordable way to treat heart damage and may also be adapted to treat diseases affecting other organs.

REFERENCE: Kaiyue Zhang et al. ,Single intramuscular injection of self-amplifying RNA of Nppa to treat myocardial infarction.Science391,edau9394(2026).DOI:10.1126/science.adu9394