PHARMACISTS can now dispense the newly listed Camzyos (mavacamten) drug to patients who are prescribed the medication.
This marks the first availability of a cardiac myosin inhibitor for adult patients with symptomatic New York Heart Association class II-III obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Developed by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the non-invasive treatment targets the fundamental pathophysiology of obstructive HCM, the most common inherited heart muscle disease.
Dr Meredith Edwards, BMS ANZ Medical Director told Pharmacy Daily, "we are thrilled to bring a new treatment option to market for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy".
Dr Edwards also highlighted the crucial role of pharmacists in managing these patients, stating, "pharmacists play an integral role in the care of these patients".
Camzyos functions as a reversible cardiac myosin inhibitor by binding and inhibiting the formation of myosin-actin in heart cells.
This mechanism helps normalise heart muscle contractility, reduce obstructions in the ventricular outflow tract, and improve cardiac filling pressures.
The drug also alleviates biomarkers of cardiac stress, thereby enhancing symptoms and exercise capability in individuals with obstructive HCM.
Prof John Atherton, Director of Cardiology at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and staff specialist at Queensland Health, noted the impact of this PBS listing.
He emphasised that Camzyos offers a promising alternative to invasive septal reduction therapies, which include surgical myectomy or alcohol septal ablation.
"Septal reduction therapies such as myectomy and alcohol septal ablation are complex, invasive procedures that pose significant risks," Atherton explained.
Of the conservatively estimated 60,000-plus Australians living with HCM, approximately 75% suffer from the obstructive variant of the heart disease.
"Today's PBS listing expands the treatment options for patients whose lives are significantly impacted by their HCM symptoms," Atherton added, suggesting that Camzyos will transform the management of HCM by providing the first medication specifically tailored for this patient group. JG
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