Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

‘Heart-in-a-Jar’ Could Save Pharma Companies Billions

The Novoheart is a tiny beating heart-like structure composed of stem cells. It's used for drug testing and is changing the way drugs make it to market.

Novoheart / Image: Novoheart
Novoheart / Image: Novoheart

Taking a drug from initial concept to clinical trial takes about a decade and a billion dollars. A recent CBC News article discussed a new concept: a ‘heart-in-a-jar’ that’s posed to save pharmaceutical companies years of development and a lot of money. The Novoheart is an actual beating heart-like structure made of stem cells that could revolutionize the path to market for new drugs.

Creating the heart valves is a multi-step process where scientists reprogram blood cells into stem cells that are then manipulated into heart cells. Millions of these heart cells form a Jello-O like solution that grows into a mold taking the shape of the “heart.” Once fully formed, the mini heart beats allowing scientists to measure the pace, similar to a heart rate. Pharmaceutical companies have already expressed interest, but Novoheart must file paperwork with the securities regulator before divulging details.

FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
New guide reveals expert strategies to prevent regulatory issues and respond effectively to FDA enforcement actions in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Read More
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
Researched List: Blister Machines for Life Sciences
Need a blister machine for life sciences packaging? Our curated list features companies serving pharmaceutical, medical device, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Download to access company names, locations, machine specifications, descriptions, and more.
Download Now
Researched List: Blister Machines for Life Sciences