Argentine biologist Pilar Ferrer and a cardiovascular research team are developing an injectable hydrogel aimed at repairing heart muscle damaged by myocardial infarction, with the experimental therapy remaining in preclinical development after testing in animal models.
Ferrer, 26, is CEO and co-founder of Amnova Biotech and works in cardiac regenerative medicine at IMETTyB, an institute linked to CONICET Dialoga and Favaloro. Argentina’s Official Gazette records her birth date as August 11, 2000. Amnova’s team also includes Daniela Olea, Mariano Berra and Alejandro Berra.
The technology emerged from a broader research program studying the regenerative potential of human amniotic tissue. In 2024, Ferrer and seven collaborators presented research to the Argentine Society of Cardiology examining the effects of decellularized human amniotic membrane on cultured cardiac cells. A related preclinical myocardial-infarction project led by Olea received special recognition at the 2025 César Milstein Award.
Amnova now describes its therapy as a cell-free, biomimetic hydrogel inspired by biological properties found in human birth tissue. The material is designed for localized delivery into damaged myocardium, where it aims to provide regenerative signals that support vascularization and tissue repair while limiting scar formation.
CITES, the deep-tech investor whose portfolio includes Amnova, reports that preclinical testing included a sheep model of myocardial infarction. According to CITES, researchers observed improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, increased neovascularization and greater cardiac-cell proliferation 28 days after treatment. The specific findings have not yet been established in humans.
The project remains in animal testing and has not reached clinical use. Ferrer told La Nación in August that the team still has regulatory work ahead before human clinical studies can begin.
Heart attacks can kill cardiac muscle and leave scar tissue that contracts less effectively, weakening the heart’s ability to pump blood. Amnova’s research is focused on whether its experimental hydrogel can eventually reduce that lasting damage.
