American Heart Association

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals submitted an FDA application for plozasiran, targeting familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), with no current FDA-approved treatments. The drug showed sustained reductions in apolipoprotein C-III and triglycerides, significantly lowering pancreatitis risk. The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation in 2024.

Sarah Abramowitz's research on polygenic risk scores (PRSs) variability in predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) risk was published in JAMA and presented at the AHA Scientific Sessions. The study found significant individual-level variability across PRSs, suggesting caution in their use for personalized medicine.

First Berlin Equity Research maintains 'BUY' on Cardiol Therapeutics Inc. with a target price of USD 8.50, citing excellent phase II MAvERIC-Pilot study data for CardiolRx in recurrent pericarditis. 71% of patients remained recurrence-free on CardiolRx monotherapy, with high tolerance and adherence rates. Market undervalues Cardiol’s progress, with anticipation for acute myocarditis phase II study results by early 2025.

AHA and AAP update CPR guidelines for drowning; former TN state senator Katrina Robinson resentenced and fined $48,600; Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical starts Phase II trial for hangover prevention treatment SJP-001.

Mavacamten shows favorable real-world results in 6,000+ HCM patients, with few reporting LVEF below 50% or heart failure after one year. Most patients treated with 5 or 10 mg daily, maintaining vLVOT gradient reduction. REMS program effective in monitoring safety.

ALPACAR-360 trial data at AHA 2024 shows zerlasiran, a gene-silencing therapy, sustains Lp(a) reductions through 60 weeks, offering potential for high Lp(a) treatment. Zerlasiran demonstrated –81.3% to –85.6% Lp(a) reduction at 36 weeks, with consistent reductions through 60 weeks and good tolerability. Phase 3 trials planned.

Zepbound, a weight-loss drug, may reduce heart failure deaths in patients with diastolic heart failure and obesity, according to a 2-year trial. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient, improved walking distance and decreased inflammation markers, with fewer deaths or heart failure worsening compared to placebo. Side effects were mild.

Cardiol Therapeutics announced Phase II MAvERIC-pilot study results showing sustained improvements in pericarditis pain and inflammation with CardioRx. The study enrolled 27 participants, with data supporting the initiation of a Phase III trial. Analysts maintain positive ratings, highlighting the drug's sustained efficacy and safety. The global cardiovascular drugs market is projected to grow significantly by 2033.

Zerlasiran, a novel siRNA, demonstrated sustained reductions in lipoprotein(a) levels exceeding 80% with infrequent dosing in the Phase II ALPACAR-360 trial. The study, presented at the AHA’s Scientific Sessions 2024, highlighted zerlasiran's efficacy, safety, and tolerability, supporting its potential as a long-term treatment for high lipoprotein(a) patients at risk of ASCVD events.

A study using fitness tracker data from 13,204 participants found that most U.S. adults, including specific racial and ethnic groups, get less sleep than recommended, increasing health risks. The research, presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions, highlights sleep disparities, with Black participants averaging 5.7 hours compared to 6.5 hours for white participants. The study, considered preliminary, used data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us research program and suggests the need for individuals to monitor their sleep habits.