Israeli company BioLineRx has developed a special seaweed-based gel that tests show helps regenerate heart muscle tissue following heart attacks.
The substance is created using typical brown seaweed. It is injected into the heart as a liquid and then hardens into a gel-like sheath protecting the heart and giving its tissue time to properly heal following a heart attack. By allowing the heart to fully heal, the gel significantly reduces the likelihood of repeat heart attacks.
The gel, dubbed BL-1040, was recently licensed by New Jersey-based Ikaria Holdings for $282.5 million.