New gene therapy techniques to stop dangerous heart rhythms

Novel Gene Therapy, Techniques, and Devices to Prevent Ventricular Tachycardia

NIH-funded research Rithim Biologics, INC. · NIH-10822751

This study is testing a new way to use gene therapy to help prevent dangerous heart rhythms after a heart attack, using a less invasive method that delivers genes directly to the heart without needing open-heart surgery, which could be great news for patients dealing with heart issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRithim Biologics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Woodbine, United States)
Project IDNIH-10822751 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative gene therapy techniques to prevent ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening heart rhythm that can occur after a heart attack. The approach involves using adeno-associated virus vectors to deliver genes directly to the heart tissue, aiming to normalize the electrical activity in areas affected by scar tissue from previous heart damage. Patients may benefit from a catheter-based method that allows for gene delivery without the need for open-heart surgery, making the procedure less invasive. The research will conduct initial experiments to finalize the development of this gene delivery system.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk for developing ventricular tachycardia.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had a heart attack or do not have a history of ventricular arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms in patients who have suffered heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: While gene therapy for heart conditions is an emerging field, this specific approach using epicardial gene painting is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.

Where this research is happening

Woodbine, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.