Dutch Scientists Develop Digital Heart Twins to Revolutionize Heart Failure Treatment

2026-01-23 bio

Eindhoven, Friday, 23 January 2026.
Dutch researchers are creating computer models that simulate individual hearts to predict how patients will respond to specific medications and treatments. The groundbreaking €3 million project combines two innovative approaches: digital heart twins that can test personalized therapies, and 3D tissue models that could help hearts repair themselves after damage. Led by Eindhoven University of Technology scientists alongside major medical centers, this five-year initiative represents a major shift toward precision medicine for cardiovascular disease.

Healthtech Innovation Targets Netherlands’ Leading Cause of Death

This medical innovation represents a significant advancement in healthtech, specifically targeting cardiovascular diseases which remain a leading cause of mortality in the Netherlands [1]. The Dutch Heart Foundation announced on January 15, 2026, that it would provide 3 million euros in funding across two complementary research projects [1][2]. The Energetic Digital Heart Twin project will receive €1.5 million, with over €400,000 allocated specifically to Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) [1]. The companion FIXIT project also receives €1.5 million, with over €300,000 designated for TU/e researchers [1][2]. This funding is part of a broader €10.5 million investment by the Dutch Heart Foundation across seven research programs, marking a milestone in implementing the national heart and vascular agenda [5].

Precision Medicine Through Digital Heart Simulation

The Energetic Digital Heart Twin project operates by combining biological data from patients with mechanical properties, muscle function, and energy consumption data to create comprehensive computer models of individual hearts [1]. Professor Natal van Riel from TU/e’s Biomedical Systems Biology department explains the technology’s predictive capabilities: “We combine biological data from patients with data on the mechanical properties and muscle function of the heart, as well as energy consumption. With this combined information, we can predict how a specific patient will respond to various treatments, including medications that affect metabolism, drugs that alter heart function, and nutritional advice. This allows each patient to receive the right medication” [1]. The digital heart twin model specifically aims to improve heart failure treatment by addressing energy imbalances in the heart and predicting patient responses to medications, metabolic interventions, and nutritional advice [1][2]. This interdisciplinary consortium includes Amsterdam UMC, Maastricht University, Maastricht UMC, Erasmus MC, and TU/e, with Dr. Jolanda van der Velden from Amsterdam UMC serving as principal investigator and Shauna O’Donovan representing TU/e [2][9].

3D Heart Tissue Models Pioneer Self-Repair Therapy

The complementary FIXIT project focuses on developing therapy to stimulate heart self-repair and prevent heart failure by testing 3D models of human heart tissue with simulated scarring [1]. Professor Carlijn Bouten from TU/e’s Cell-Matrix Interactions in Cardiovascular Regeneration department leads the tissue modeling research: “We are testing 3D models of human heart tissue in which scarring is simulated. We then investigate whether this actually helps the heart recover more effectively and pump more strongly again. If the results are positive, we will move on to realistic human heart tissue in vitro and an advanced heart model that closely resembles the real human heart” [1]. The FIXIT project aims to restore lost heart muscle tissue and is led by Dr. Jan Willem Buikema from Amsterdam UMC and Prof. Dr. Leon de Windt from Maastricht University [1][2]. The research consortium includes Amsterdam UMC, Maastricht University, Maastricht UMC+, Leiden UMC with Dr. Jesper Hjortnaes, and TU/e [1][9]. Additional TU/e team members include PhD candidate Marjolein ten Dam and Postdoc Marina Cler [2].

Timeline and Location of Innovation

Both research projects are scheduled to commence in 2026, with the Energetic Digital Heart Twin project beginning in spring 2026 and running for five years, while the FIXIT project will start in summer 2026 [1][2]. The research is centered at Eindhoven University of Technology, located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, where TU/e’s biomedical engineering department houses the laboratories for both Professor van Riel’s systems biology work and Professor Bouten’s tissue engineering research [1]. TU/e, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026, describes itself as innovative and open-minded [4]. The university’s contribution involves testing 3D models of human heart tissue with simulated scarring to assess recovery and pumping effectiveness [1]. This multi-institutional collaboration represents a significant investment in developing cutting-edge medical technologies to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of heart disease on the Dutch healthcare system, with the ultimate goals of reducing illness, decreasing healthcare pressure, and improving quality of life for cardiovascular patients [5][7].

Bronnen

heart failure biomedical research