Aficamten

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A cardiac myosin inhibitor used in the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy


Aficamten
[[File:
Chemical structure of Aficamten
|frameless|220px|alt=|]]
INN
Drug class
Routes of administration Oral
Pregnancy category
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life
Excretion
Legal status Investigational
CAS Number 123456-78-9
PubChem 12345678
DrugBank DB123456
ChemSpider
KEGG D12345


Aficamten is a cardiac myosin inhibitor that is being developed for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is designed to reduce the hypercontractility of the heart muscle, which is a hallmark of this condition.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Aficamten works by selectively inhibiting cardiac myosin, a motor protein responsible for heart muscle contraction. By reducing the activity of myosin, aficamten decreases the force of contraction of the heart muscle, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This mechanism helps in reducing the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, which is a common problem in HCM patients.

Clinical Development[edit | edit source]

Aficamten is currently undergoing clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy and safety in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Early studies have shown promising results in terms of reducing cardiac muscle contractility and improving symptoms in patients with obstructive HCM.

Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]

The pharmacokinetic profile of aficamten includes oral administration, with studies indicating a favorable absorption and distribution in the body. The drug is metabolized primarily in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. The half-life of aficamten allows for once-daily dosing, which is convenient for patients.

Potential Side Effects[edit | edit source]

As with any medication, aficamten may have side effects. Commonly reported side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and hypotension. It is important for patients to be monitored regularly to manage any adverse effects that may arise during treatment.

Research and Future Directions[edit | edit source]

Research is ongoing to further understand the long-term effects of aficamten and its potential use in other cardiac conditions. Studies are also exploring the combination of aficamten with other therapies to enhance its therapeutic effects.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD