American Heart Association

CureGene Pharmaceutical announces NMPA approval for CG-0255, a novel antiplatelet drug for CAD, with potential as a Best-in-Class treatment. CG-0255, a thiol prodrug, offers faster onset and flexibility in formulations, addressing current therapy challenges.

The Biden administration proposed a rule to significantly lower nicotine levels in tobacco products to reduce addiction and smoking-related harms. The FDA's proposal, welcomed by health experts, aims to make tobacco products less addictive, potentially reducing the number of new smokers and helping existing ones quit. The approval process may face challenges from the tobacco industry and the incoming administration.

Pooja Khatri, MD, MS, has been appointed chair of the Department of Neurology and chief of neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale New Haven Health System, effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Khatri, currently at the University of Cincinnati, is an internationally recognized expert in clinical stroke with extensive research and leadership experience.

Continuous use of acoramidis over 42 months significantly reduced risks of all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations (CVH) in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), according to data from the ATTRibute-CM trial and its open-label extension. The FDA approved acoramidis for ATTR-CM treatment, highlighting its efficacy in early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment.

A feature in *Evidence-Based Oncology*™ highlights low Black participation in a multiple myeloma trial. *Becker’s ASC Review* covers an AJMC.com article on vertical integration in cardiology increasing Medicare costs without improving quality. *Midland Daily News* references an AJMC.com article reporting a 7% increase in infant mortality post-*Dobbs* decision.

COVID-19 linked to cardiac arrhythmias and autonomic dysfunction, even post-infection. AHA issued a scientific statement detailing management strategies, emphasizing AF as the most common arrhythmia, with elevated risk persisting for at least a year. Vaccination does not increase arrhythmia risk, but drug interactions with treatments like nirmatrelvir-ritonavir are crucial to monitor.

The American Heart Association, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, launches a three-year initiative to standardize HCM care, including a national registry, certification program, and recognition for U.S. sites. The initiative aims to improve identification, assessment, referral, and treatment of HCM patients, reducing complications and preventable deaths.

A pragmatic, randomized controlled trial in Geisinger prenatal clinics evaluates four intervention arms: Clinic Model, Clinic-WIC Model, Clinic-RDN Model, and Clinic-WIC-RDN Model to assess food security, WIC enrollment, and heart healthy eating counseling. Approximately 240 low-income pregnant participants are randomized 1:1:1:1. The study aims to determine differences in WIC enrollment rates, secondary outcomes, and intervention implementation factors.

Higher genetic risk of MD linked to increased AFib, coronary artery disease, and heart failure in women, not explained by traditional CVD risk factors. Relationship persists in patients without psychiatric diagnoses or medication. Emphasizes need for sex-specific CVD risk studies in depression context.