Using cell therapy to help heal the heart after a heart attack
Official title: Cell Based Immunomodulation to Promote Post-Infarct Myocardial Repair
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10980539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help your heart heal after a heart attack by using special cells that can release helpful substances right where they're needed, which could reduce inflammation and improve heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $629,947 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163258-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a heart attack and are at risk of developing heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or those with advanced heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving recovery after a heart attack by using engineered cells that can release beneficial cytokines directly in the heart. The approach involves encapsulating retinal pigment epithelial cells in protective capsules to enhance their survival and effectiveness. By delivering these immune-modulating cells locally, the goal is to reduce inflammation, minimize heart tissue damage, and improve heart function. Patients may benefit from this innovative therapy that aims to promote healing and repair in the heart post-infarction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve heart recovery and function after a heart attack.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using cell-based therapies for heart repair, indicating that this approach may have potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghanta, Ravi K — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ghanta, Ravi K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.