Aficamten Study Reported Right Ventricular Improvements
Researchers detailed changes in heart function among patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Heart Disease
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New analysis of the phase 3 SEQUOIA-HCM trial shows that aficamten treatment leads to improved right ventricular strain and pressure. The findings were shared during the recent Heart Failure Society of America Scientific Meeting.
Why it matters
The study addresses a critical knowledge gap regarding how the heart medication aficamten impacts the right ventricle in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Researchers conducted this evaluation to better understand the secondary effects of the treatment on cardiac function.
In a study of 230 patients with feasible baseline measurements, aficamten treatment reduced right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain by 1.2% and systolic pressure by 4.3 mmHg over 24 weeks. Baseline measurements for the cohort included a mean right ventricular strain of 24.5% and a mean systolic pressure of 25.9 mmHg.
The players
Heart Failure Society of America
This professional organization is dedicated to advancing the field of heart failure research and patient care through scientific meetings and educational resources.
University of California at San Francisco
This public research university is home to the lead investigators who presented the findings on aficamten at the recent scientific conference.
The details
Using speckle-tracking echocardiography, investigators analyzed right ventricular function in participants from the SEQUOIA-HCM trial. While the treatment modified specific strain and pressure metrics, researchers noted that 4-chamber longitudinal strain remained unchanged and these physiological shifts did not lead to improvements in quality-of-life scores or functional class.
Timeline
The HFSA Scientific Meeting in Phoenix began on October 9, 2026.
The HFSA Scientific Meeting concluded on October 12, 2026.
The Big Picture
This analysis updates findings originally established by the SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial.
While these physiological changes indicate the drug affects right ventricular mechanics, they do not currently change daily treatment routines or improve patient-reported symptom scores. Patients should continue to discuss the benefits and risks of aficamten with their cardiologist as clinical research into the medication progresses.
The takeaway
These findings show that aficamten induces measurable changes in heart mechanics beyond the left ventricle in cardiomyopathy patients. Further studies are required to determine if these specific improvements translate into better long-term health outcomes for those living with the condition.
Further reading
For more on cardiovascular research, visit Heart Disease.
More information
Find full study details at the SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial registry page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hcplive.
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