The drug Aficamten is being developed by Cytokinetics as a pill taken once daily for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is a genetic disease where due to a thickness in the heart muscle blood flow to the aorta is inhibited.

HCM affects one in every 500 people. It is considered to be a common cause of cardiac death in competitive athletes and young people. According to the American Heart Association it is often undiagnosed.

Wizards guard Jared Butler was diagnosed with HCM before he began his college basketball career. Jared has joined Bristol Myers in its efforts to raise awareness of HCM.

About Aficamten

Aficamten, a small molecule cardiac myosin inhibitor, was designed to reduce contractions. Myosin is a molecular motor that powers heart contraction and blocking myosin results in less contraction.

In preclinical studies, Aficamten reduced and reversed stiffening and thickening of the heart. Exercise capacity and oxygen uptake were improved in HCM patients when compared to those who received a placebo.

Cytokinetics intends to submit Aficamten for approval mid 2024 according to its CEO Robert Blum.

If U.S. regulators approve Aficamten, the drug would be in competition with Bristol Myers’ drug Camzyos that has been approved to treat obstructive HCM.

Aficamten is an investigational product and as yet it has not been approved for efficacy and safety.