New data from the Phase III MAPLE-HCM clinical trial indicates Aficamten significantly improves exercise performance in patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). The condition affects up to one in 250 people globally and causes the heart muscle to thicken, limiting physical activity.
For decades, beta-blockers like Metoprolol have been the standard first-line treatment. However, this 24-week trial involving 175 patients suggests a major shift may be necessary.
Aficamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, outperformed Metoprolol across all key metrics. Patients on Aficamten saw significant improvements in ventilatory efficiency, peak oxygen uptake, and exercise duration. In contrast, the Metoprolol group showed deterioration in peak performance.
The research concludes Aficamten should be considered as a new first-line monotherapy to improve functional capacity. The findings arrive as public awareness of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy grows, partly due to advocacy from figures like NBA player Jared Butler, who has the condition.
