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Updated: Jun 19, 2026

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Cardiac fibrosis: emerging agents in preclinical and clinical development

Roberto Spoladore1, Giulio Falasconi2, Giorgio Fiore2

  • 1Cardiology Division, Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, ASST-Lecco , Italy.

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|December 28, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Novel therapies targeting cardiac fibrosis show promise in preclinical models, but clinical trials are scarce. Further research is needed to validate these anti-fibrotic drugs for treating heart conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Pharmacology
  • Fibrosis Mechanisms

Background:

  • Myocardial fibrosis is a dynamic process with therapeutic potential.
  • Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), connective Tissue Growth Factor (cTGF), and Galectin-3 (Gal-3) are key targets.
  • Research focuses on novel therapeutic interventions for cardiac fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current drugs with anti-fibrotic properties.
  • To examine emerging pathway-specific agents in development.
  • To assess the clinical and preclinical status of cardiac fibrosis therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar.
  • Included original articles, systematic reviews, and clinical trials.
  • Used keywords: 'myocardial fibrosis', 'reverse remodeling', 'RAAs', 'therapy'.

Main Results:

  • Preclinical evidence supports new drugs for cardiac fibrosis.
  • Potential benefits include improved left ventricular function and reduced infarct size.
  • Few clinical trials exist for these novel anti-fibrotic agents.

Conclusions:

  • New drugs show potential in animal models for cardiac fibrosis.
  • Clinical investigation of these agents is limited.
  • A need exists for engineered molecules targeting specific fibrosis pathways.
Keywords:
Heart failurecardiac fibrosispharmacotherapy

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