Medicine · Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies

A 45-year-old man with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) has gradient 65 mmHg at rest. He is symptomatic on maximum beta-blocker dose. Which of the following is the NEWEST FDA-approved drug specific to this condition?

  • A Disopyramide
  • B Mavacamten (cardiac myosin inhibitor)
  • C Verapamil
  • D Ranolazine
Correct answer: B. Mavacamten (cardiac myosin inhibitor)

Explanation

Mavacamten (a first-in-class allosteric cardiac myosin inhibitor) was FDA-approved in 2022 for symptomatic obstructive HCM (LVOTO ≥ 30 mmHg) based on the EXPLORER-HCM trial. It reduces LVOT gradient by decreasing excessive myosin-actin cross-bridge formation (the core mechanism of HCM). Mavacamten significantly improved exercise capacity, NYHA class, and quality of life. Disopyramide and verapamil are older agents with modest evidence; disopyramide's negative inotropic effect reduces gradient but has significant anticholinergic side effects. Mavacamten requires echocardiographic monitoring of LVEF due to risk of systolic dysfunction.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

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