September 18, 2026
Before a new heart treatment reaches patients, researchers need to know whether it is likely to work and be safe. That can be difficult as animal models do not fully reflect human biology and many potential drugs fail in clinical trials.
A BC based project is developing a more accurate way to study heart disease and test treatments earlier.
Led by Dr. Zachary Laksman at the University of British Columbia and Dr. Stephanie Willerth of Axolotl Biosciences, the project uses genomics informed bio-inks to 3D-print living models of human heart tissue.
These small, lab-grown tissues can help researchers study how heart cells function and respond to different drugs in a controlled setting.
The team is developing two new bio-inks. One is designed to support disease modelling and drug testing. The second will help create more mature, adult-like heart tissue and account for biological differences, including sex-based differences and genetic risk factors.
By producing more consistent and realistic models of the human heart, the project could help researchers test treatments more efficiently, identify problems earlier and reduce reliance on animal models.
It also shows how BC based research and biotechnology companies are working together to translate scientific advances into tools that could improve care and streamline treatment development. For a more in-depth look at the trials and processes involved, read the article published in Hospital News.
