Can virtual hearts predict real-world drug risks? From interpreting conflicting laboratory results to modelling underrepresented populations, virtual hearts could help researchers assess cardiac safety earlier in drug development. Written byBree Foster, PhD

Can virtual hearts predict real-world drug risks? From interpreting conflicting laboratory results to modelling underrepresented populations, virtual hearts could help researchers assess cardiac safety earlier in drug development. Written byBree Foster, PhD https://www.drugdiscoverynews.com/can-virtual-hearts-predict-real-world-drug-risks-17608 Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, despite massive investment in drug discovery and development, the number of approved drugs has not kept pace. This is partially due to cardiovascular toxicity, as drug-induced cardiac side effects can derail promising candidates during clinical development or lead to serious adverse reactions after approval. Although preclinical studies can help to identify compounds that disrupt cardiac function, some adverse effects only become apparent when drugs are administered to larger and more diverse patient populations. Differences in biology, drug exposure, and experimental measurements can all influence whether a compound triggers a dangerous cardiac response, making these risks difficult to predict before clinical use.