Atta Behfar

Atta Behfar, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with joint appointments in the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He serves as the Russ and Kathy Van Cleve Professor of Regenerative Medicine and Director of the Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program. Dr. Behfar is also Associate Program Director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship Program and Co-Director of Innovation in Biologics within the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine.

• Russ and Kathy Van Cleve Professor of Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic (2022–present)
• Director, Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program (2015–present)
• Associate Program Director, Cardiovascular Fellowship Program (2022–present)
• Co-Director for Innovation in Biologics, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (2018–2020)

Dr. Behfar earned his MD/PhD from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and completed his clinical training in cardiovascular disease and advanced heart failure at Mayo Clinic. His research focuses on translating regenerative therapies into clinical applications, particularly in cardiovascular disease.

His research is centered on regenerative medicine, with a strong emphasis on stem cell and exosome-based technologies. Key areas include cardiac regeneration, wound healing, orthopedic applications, pulmonary disease, and neuroinflammation. His lab has pioneered stable, room-temperature exosome formulations for targeted delivery in heart attack, heart failure, wound healing, and organ preservation. He also leads innovation in mechanical circulatory support and transplant medicine.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward clinical translation, with studies spanning exosome therapy for skin rejuvenation and hair health, engineered extracellular vesicles for bone formation, and advanced hemodynamic monitoring in LVAD patients. His work bridges cardiology, regenerative biology, and aesthetic medicine, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact.

Dr. Behfar has received numerous awards and recognitions:

• Herman K. Gold Young Investigator Award, American College of Cardiology (2010)
• Presidential Award, American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2005)
• RAVE 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Mayo Clinic Graduate School (2017)
• 2021 Minnesota Walleye Tank Winner

He has advised numerous research projects and clinical trials, particularly in regenerative therapeutics and cardiovascular innovation. His team has secured multiple grants supporting translational research in exosome engineering and cardiac regeneration. Dr. Behfar leads the Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program, which fosters collaboration across cardiology, physiology, and biomedical engineering. The program is actively involved in clinical trials for exosome-based therapies in wound healing, myocardial infarction, and degenerative joint disease.