Our Cardioid Drug Discovery Platform

A human-first, technology-driven platform that enables faster, cheaper, and more predictive drug discovery.

At HeartBeat.bio we integrate unique human disease models, relevant assays, state-of-the-art automated hardware for organoid production and screening, along with AI-assisted quality control and analysis on a single discovery platform.

The power lies in the synergy of proprietary biology, AI, and automation—enabling richer insights, continuous learning, and scalable, cost-efficient discovery.

Disease Models

Genetic cardiomyopathy

We focus on three primary cardiomyopathies: Hypertrophic (HCM), Dilated (DCM), and Arrhythmogenic (ACM) cardiomyopathies. These diseases involve structural and molecular defects, such as chamber dilation, reduced size, and fibrofatty replacement of cardiac muscle cells, ultimately weakening the heart and increasing heart failure risk. Our models replicate these conditions, enabling the development of novel therapies that target the underlying molecular and structural mechanisms of these diseases.

Drug-induced cardiomyopathy

We model drug-induced heart muscle thickening (hypertrophy) and related conditions, as well as other drug-induced effects, such as cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy (Cardio-Oncology). These models provide a valuable platform for assessing the impact of potential therapies, enabling the identification and development of drugs that can mitigate or prevent adverse cardiac effects.

Myocardial fibrosis & remodeling

Myocardial fibrosis plays a key role in many heart diseases, including cardiomyopathies, myocardial infarction, and chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. To address this, we are developing Cardioid models to study and screen for fibrotic remodeling, where damaged tissues attempt to heal. These models enable the identification and evaluation of potential drug candidates, with the goal of mitigating or preventing the development of myocardial fibrosis and post-injury cardiac remodeling.

Assays

We offer many tailored assays to measure the cellular, tissue, and genetic functions of our Cardioids. These assays are designed to identify and target key disease phenotypes as well as measure potential changes upon drug administration. Depending on the phenotype a different set of assays is employed, thereby providing crucial insights into drug mechanisms of action, efficacy, and toxicity.

Functional Assays

Electrophysiology

Our electrophysiology assays directly measure the electrical activity of cardiac cells and tissues. Examples are a multielectrode array (MEA) which can be paired with an optogenetic pacer to control beat rates.

Reporter lines

Reporter lines were engineered using genetics and fluorescent proteins that label cell types (cardiomyocytes, cardiac endothelial cells, and cardiac fibroblasts)- allowing us to track, measure, and control Cardioid function.

Contraction analysis

The contraction analysis we use measures a cell or tissue’s ability to contract. This can be done through calcium transient (fluorescent calcium reporter) or video-based analysis of beating behavior.

Fibrosis

We have developed an assay for fibrosis, a key element of many heart diseases, that allows us to measure its impact.

Molecular Assays

Bulk, single-organoid, and single cell transcriptomics

We analyze gene expression at different levels of detail. Single-cell RNA sequencing provides the most precise insights in Cardioids, while bulk RNA sequencing captures gene expression across an entire Cardioid population.

Structural / Spatial Assays

Histology and 3D reconstruction

Histology and 3D reconstruction allow us to visualize and measure the structural features of cells and tissues, providing key insights into their structure and function. 3D reconstruction of a Cardioid allows for a comprehensive analysis of chamber-level defects.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)/gene therapy optimization

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)/gene therapy optimization is a laboratory approach to enhance and refine the delivery, spatial expression, and efficacy of therapeutic genes in the 3D chamber context of a Cardioid.

Toxicity Assays

Viability

We use fluorescence-based assays to measure real-time cellular viability/toxicity within our Cardioids.

Biomarker release

Heart failure is often accompanied by biomarker release in the clinic. We measure the release of relevant biomarkers from Cardioids to gauge their status.

Automation

Our state-of-the-art hardware and custom software allow for automated production and handling of Cardioids, supporting high-throughput screening and high-content imaging.

This integration reduces costs, enhances scalability, minimizes errors, and operates within standard timelines.

Data Analysis

By leveraging machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), we can detect, monitor, and analyze Cardioid characteristics.

Our integrated data analysis framework generates multiparametric insights across various models supporting key stages of drug development, including screening, target validation, lead identification, lead optimization, and preclinical profiling.

Quality Control

Our platform enables automated Cardioid generation, maintenance, and analysis, allowing for continuous monitoring of production and early detection of issues.

By real-time benchmarking of each production batch against quality standards, we ensure that only ready Cardioids proceed to the screening workflow.