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Common antibiotics can regenerate heart cells in animals

A combination of widely available antibiotics may be able to treat heart failure after researchers found that the therapy regenerates heart cells in animals

By Grace Wade

19 March 2024

Heart muscle structure, computer illustration

A computer illustration of heart muscle cells

KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Alamy

Two widely used antibiotics may be able to regenerate heart cells in pigs, suggesting they might one day be used to treat heart failure.

Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It commonly develops after heart attacks, which permanently damage and weaken cardiac muscle. Other than an artificial heart or a heart transplant, treatments for the condition can only slow its progression, not repair damaged tissue.

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