Gene therapy for the treatment of heart failure: promise postponed.

Gene therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in targeting the molecular mechanisms implicated in heart failure. Refinements in vector technology, including the development of recombinant adeno-associated vectors, have allowed for safe, long-term, and efficient gene transfer to the myocardium. These advancements, coupled with evolving delivery techniques, have placed gene therapy as a viable therapeutic option for patients with heart failure. However, after much promise in early-phase clinical trials, the more recent larger clinical trials have shown disappointing results, thus forcing the field to re-evaluate current vectors, delivery systems, targets, and endpoints. We provide here an updated review of current cardiac gene therapy programmes that have been or are being translated into clinical trials. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.