For Patients

ELR-SCAR is developing a novel biomaterial that mimics elastin – a protein found in the heart tissue – that could help prevent the formation of scar tissue in the heart after a heart attack. The ELR hydrogel has unique properties that make it promising for this purpose: it can selectively stick to the heart tissue; it works well in the area impacted by a heart attack; and it can safely break down in the body over time.

To make this treatment possible, ELR-SCAR is also developing a minimally invasive catheter (a small tube that can be inserted in the veins) that can deliver the ELR hydrogel directly to the heart with minimal pain and discomfort.

Over the next four years, the project will focus on testing the effectiveness and safety of the ELR-SCAR gel in laboratory experiments and animal studies. The purpose of preclinical testing is to gather important data and identify any potential risks of the ELR hydrogel and ensure it is safe and effective to use on patients. Once the preclinical testing is completed successfully, researchers will be able to move on to the next stage of testing the hydrogel in human clinical trials. This however, phase will start after the end of the project.

The ELR-SCAR team includes experts in regulatory affairs, who will ensure that both the hydrogel and catheter meet the necessary requirements to be used as a medical device. However, the consortium will also have a plan in place to advance this technology in case it’s approved as a pharmaceutical product instead.

By achieving its goals, ELR-SCAR hopes to transform the way heart attacks are treated and improve the lives of patients suffering from this condition.

You can follow the project’s progress via our news page and social media channels.