BioVAT (Biologic Ventricular Assist Tissue) is an experimental stem cell-derived heart muscle patch designed to treat advanced heart failure.
It involves implanting engineered heart tissue that is made from cardiomyocytes and stromal cells derived from allogeneic induced pluripotent stem cells, onto the surface of the heart by epicardial implantation, to help remuscularize damaged areas, thicken the heart wall, and improve pumping function.
In Phase 1–2 open-label study (BioVAT-HF-DZHK20) patients with end-stage heart failure (reduced ejection fraction ≤35%, NYHA III/IV) received BioVAT patches.
Patients receive immunouppression.
Key outcomes at 3 months: Increased target heart wall thickness, improved left ventricular ejection fraction, and modest gains in quality of life.
The approach is positioned as a potential “bridge” to heart transplant or LVAD (left ventricular assist device) implantation.
This represents progress in regenerative cardiology, moving beyond cell injections to structured tissue patches.