EMAPS-Cardio Project Concludes with Breakthrough Heart-on-a-Chip Technology

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Europe, yet the methods used to test new drugs are still outdated, slow, and often unreliable. After more than four years of dedicated research, the EU-funded EMAPS-Cardio project has concluded with a breakthrough that promises wide-reaching benefits for patients and society at large.

At the core of EMAPS-Cardio’s success is a laboratory-grown heart tissue, matured to closely mimic the function of an adult human heart. By integrating chemical, electrical, and mechanical stimulation in a single device, researchers overcame one of the greatest challenges in cardiac modelling: transforming young stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes into physiologically relevant adult-like cells.

“This is a turning point,” said project coordinator Prof. Christian Bergaud from CNRS – French National Center for Scientific Research. “With the full maturation of human cardiac cells, we have paved the way for completely changing the way we develop drug treatments for heart diseases.”

The platform enables earlier and more accurate detection of cardiotoxicity, reducing reliance on less accurate animal models and minimising the risk of costly late-stage drug failures. “What makes the EMAPS-Cardio technology truly exciting is its scalability and adaptability,” said Prof. Bergaud. “It not only advances cardiac research but also opens the door to safer, faster, and more ethical drug development across multiple organ systems.”

The project’s impact is further underscored by the fact that a follow-up project has already been approved for funding by the Fédération Française de Cardiologie.

To explore the project’s scientific journey and achievements, watch the final video released by the team on YouTube.