Cytokinetics reports positive late-stage data for heart disease drug aficamten

Cytokinetics has reported late-stage clinical data showing that its drug, aficamten, significantly improves symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM). This genetic heart condition currently lacks approved treatments. The findings, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, support the company’s plan to submit a supplemental U.S. marketing application in the fourth quarter of 2026.

While the drug is already approved as Myqorzo for the obstructive form of the condition (oHCM), the new data focuses on the non-obstructive form. In a study of 517 patients, 53% of those receiving aficamten showed meaningful improvements in key areas such as stamina and symptom relief, compared to 13% in the placebo group. However, the drug did not significantly alter heart structure or delay cardiovascular events, and approximately 10% of patients experienced a drop in heart pumping capacity.

Barclays analysts project peak sales for Myqorzo could exceed $5 billion. Meanwhile, Bristol Myers is preparing to begin a late-stage study for its rival drug, Camzyos, in nHCM patients later this year.