1. Hybrid Heart
The researchers plan to create a solution for heart failure by developing a soft robotic heart that consists of a soft robotic shell, artificial muscles and sensors to enable natural motion. Tissue-engineered lining will make sure all surfaces in contact with blood are safe. Energy transfer will be wireless. This could replace the need for heart transplantation and give hope to those who are desperately waiting for a heart. Hybrid Heart is led by Professor Jolanda Kluin at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2. iMap
Using cutting-edge technologies and human data to build a detailed map and understanding of atherosclerotic plaques – the fatty deposits that develop in arteries. This mapping work aims to reveal new targets for immunotherapy treatments to combat atherosclerosis, the furring up of arteries, and may lead to a new wave of medicines and vaccines that can prevent heart attacks and strokes. iMap is led by Professor Ziad Mallat at the University of Cambridge, UK.
3. Echoes
The team will develop wearable technology that can be used in daily life to capture more data than ever before. From symptoms and physical activity to heart function and air quality, this information could be used alongside genetic and healthcare data to transform diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of heart and circulatory diseases by creating a digital twin. ECHOES is led by Professor Frank Rademakers at KU Leuven, Belgium.
4. CureHeart
The researchers will develop a treatment that targets and silences the faulty genes responsible for cardiomyopathies – diseases of the heart muscle that can lead to sudden death or heart failure at an early age. By combining a deep understanding of underlying genetic mechanisms with new technologies, the team aims to halt the progression of the damage caused by genetic heart muscle diseases, and even stop it before it starts. CureHeart is led by Professor Hugh Watkins at the University of Oxford, UK.
The process
We received 75 proposals from around the world. Principal investigators came from 21 countries and involved research teams from 40 countries. A patient and public panel gave their perspective and a special panel of independent researchers and medical professionals scrutinised the proposals. The final decision was made by the International Advisory Panel (IAP).
Meet the IAPWhat's next?
These four shortlisted teams have access to some seed funding and will spend the next six months putting together their full applications. These will be reviewed by the panels and the teams will be interviewed by the IAP. Together, they'll decide which proposal has the most chance of delivering a revolutionary advance in cardiovascular health and disease.
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