The therapy uses a two-step mechanism with self-amplifying RNA, aiming for effects that last up to a month from a single injection and reduce the need for invasive procedures.

The therapy could minimize side effects by targeting activation to the heart and may lower treatment barriers by reducing hospital visits.

If successful in humans, this RNA-based, non-invasive delivery method could transform cardiovascular care and potentially extend to other conditions like kidney disease, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia; human trials are planned at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

If successful, the non-invasive RNA delivery could offer a simpler alternative to heart transplants or cell-based therapies and might be adaptable to other organs and conditions such as kidney disease, hypertension, and preeclampsia.

A new RNA-based therapy aims to repair the heart after a heart attack by turning the body into its own drug producer, delivering an inactive precursor that becomes ANP in the heart to promote repair and reduce scar tissue, potentially transforming cardiovascular care.

Columbia University researchers report that this RNA-based therapy boosts production of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), enabling the heart to repair itself after a heart attack.

The project is a multi-department Columbia effort moving toward a phase-one safety trial at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, with in-house manufacturing support.

Preclinical results in mice and large animals show reduced scar tissue, improved heart function, and effectiveness even when administered days after a heart attack, including models with diabetes or atherosclerosis.

Researchers demonstrated the strategy with the Nppa gene (precursor to ANP) and showed delayed treatment at one week post-heart attack remained effective across models, including older age, atherosclerosis, and diabetes analogs.

Funding comes from the American Heart Association and NIH; the study was published in Science on March 5, 2026, titled 'Single intramuscular injection of self-amplifying RNA of Nppa to treat myocardial infarction.'

In preclinical studies, a single intramuscular injection reduced scar tissue and improved heart function across small and large animal models, with effects lasting at least four weeks.