Public research university, King’s College London, is utilising messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to combat the physiological effects of heart attacks, in an effort to develop the world’s first cure for heart attack victims. The technology has the potential for a near reversal of heart damage.

mRNAs are genetic codes which produce proteins that contain genetic information. The mRNA technology being used by King’s College London produces proteins stimulating the creation of healthy new heart cells and can be delivered directly to the heart muscle following an attack.

The proteins which are created through the technology can assist the heart muscle in the regeneration of cells. This ground-breaking response has not yet been incorporated in any cardiac medications or post-episode treatments.

Mauro Giacca, Professor of cardiovascular sciences at the School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King’s College, explained: “We are all born with a set number of muscle cells in our heart and they are exactly the same ones we will die with. Our goal has been to find a treatment that can convince surviving cells to proliferate.”

“We are using exactly the same technology as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to inject micro RNAs to the heart, reaching surviving heart cells and pushing their proliferation,” he added.

Novacyt’s PROmate COVID-19 1G Real-Time PCR test has been approved in the UK under the UK Health Security Agency’s Medical Devices and Coronavirus Test Device Approvals Regulations 2021.

The PROmate COVID-19 1G test is designed to detect a SARS-CoV-2 gene target within ORF1ab and – as with all of the company’s direct-to-PCR products – removes the need for complex, manual or automated extraction solutions to accelerate laboratory workflow and reduce costs.

The test is Novacyt’s second direct-to-PCR test and the third product to be added to the CTDA register of approved products. It was previously on the CTDA Temporary Protocol list of products which can continue to be sold in the UK while seeking validation.

Novacyt is currently awaiting further updates on five other products submitted to the Coronavirus Test Device Approvals process across its COVID-19 testing portfolio. Throughout the pandemic, the company produced a significant number of lateral flow and PCR tests for use in many countries across the world.

Health chiefs have warned that the sharp drop in MMR vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic is cause for concern, and that cases of measles can be especially serious in young children.

Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said: “Measles can be very unpleasant and may lead to serious complications. The good news is that it is a preventable disease and two doses of the vaccine provides almost complete protection.”

“It is never too late for children to get vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella which is why we’re calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date,” she added.