RiHEART

RiHEART (IPSOC-1) is an allogeneic cell therapy consisting of cardiomyocyte sheets derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Developed by Cuorips, a biotechnology company spun out of Osaka University, the therapy is designed for patients with severe ischemic heart failure who have exhausted conventional treatment options. The cardiomyocyte sheets are surgically transplanted onto the epicardial surface of the heart. The mechanism of action is twofold: it provides paracrine effects through the release of cytokines that improve blood circulation and cardiac function, and it offers direct mechanical support as the transplanted cardiomyocytes form electrical couplings with the host myocardium to contract synchronously. In March 2026, it received conditional and time-limited marketing approval in Japan, marking the world's first approved iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte therapy for heart failure. The therapy utilizes allogeneic cells from HLA-homozygous donor iPSC lines, allowing for off-the-shelf availability.

Brand names

RiHEART

Other names

allogeneic iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte sheet