Targeted Intra-Atrial Delivery of GMP-Grade Human Extracellular Vesicles Prevents Inflammation-Driven Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Pigs

JACC Basic to Translational Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: Noreen Ahmed, Sandrine Parent, Charlotte A. René, Nevena Kovacina, Jennifer St Amant, Melody Napoleone, Bérénice Collet, Saad Kahn, David Courtman, Duncan J Stewart, Vincent Chan, Darryl Raymond Davis
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2026.101555
Cited by: 1
References: 29

Abstract

Targeted intra-atrial delivery of GMP-grade human cardiac extracellular vesicles (EVs) was evaluated for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). EVs were manufactured under serum-free, xenogen-free GMP-compatible conditions and tested in rat and porcine sterile pericarditis models. In rats, intra-atrial EV delivery resulted in selective atrial retention without systemic toxicity. In pigs, EV administration was technically feasible, well tolerated, and completely prevented spontaneous AF while significantly reducing inducible AF. EV therapy also attenuated atrial inflammation and fibrosis without adverse end-organ effects. These findings support localized cardiac EV therapy as a first-in-human-ready, disease-modifying biologic strategy for postoperative AF prevention.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Extracellular vesicles in disease Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices Atrial Fibrillation Management and Outcomes

Publication details

Journal / source
JACC Basic to Translational Science
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
11
Issue
6
Pages
101555–101555
Publication date
1 May 2026
Language
EN