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Redefining the Search for Cardioprotective Therapies.

Forcefield’s cardioprotective proteins were identified by utilising a completely new way of discovering drugs that removes the bias built into previous drug discovery, which is always disease or target focused.

This approach was used to discover natural proteins that retain heart function and help existing cardiomyocytes protect themselves after MI.

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Prof. Giacca

Forcefield’s proteins were discovered by Forcefield’s Scientific Founder, Prof. Mauro Giacca, and scientists at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste.

Genes for 1200 proteins encoding the mouse secretome were inserted into a viral gene delivery vector and injected into an animal model of myocardial infarction.

The genes expressing healing factors were identified from animals whose hearts successfully repaired themselves and maintained their function for a prolonged period (analogous to prevention of heart failure). These factors were then individually validated as efficacious in independent experiments.

As a result, two proteins have been discovered capable of protecting cardiac tissue damaged by acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Prior to these discoveries the proteins have not been shown to have therapeutic benefit in AMI. This application is part of an exclusive IP license agreement with ICGEB.