ACS researcher Jiabin Qin has won the CardInnov category of the first ERA4Health video competition together with Irene García Martín from the Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC). Their winning video presents the SK4BLOCK-AFHF project, which investigates a new treatment approach for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure.

Targeting the SK4 Potassium Channel

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and is particularly challenging when combined with heart failure (HF). The SK4BLOCK-AFHF project focuses on the SK4 potassium channel as a potential new target for treating AF. The channel is found in heart muscle cells, fibroblasts and macrophages, and becomes more active in patients with AF and in animal models of HF. 

The project focuses on BA6b9, a novel drug that specifically blocks the SK4 potassium channel. In rats with heart failure, BA6b9 reduced the chances of AF starting and prevented harmful changes in the heart that can contribute to the progression of AF. The researchers aim to further develop BA6b9 and investigate the role of SK4 in AF using human heart cells, animal models and patient data. 

The Winning Video

See the winning video below to learn more about the SK4BLOCK-AFHF project. 

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The video is part of the ERA4Health video competition “Our ERA4Health project in 2 minutes”. 

ERA4Health Video Competition

The ERA4Health video competition “Our ERA4Health project in 2 minutes” was organised to showcase the work of Early Career Researchers involved in ERA4Health projects. Participants were challenged to present their research in a short and accessible video. A total of 24 videos were submitted, with two winning teams selected in the CardInnov and HealthEquity categories. 

The winning teams will receive a travel grant to attend either the final symposium of their ERA4Health call or an upcoming ERA4Health training course. 

Read the original ERA4Health LinkedIn post about the winning teams here.