Monday, March 31, 2025

TRILUMINATE Trial: Tricuspid TEER Reduces Heart Failure Hospitalizations by 2 Years

At ACC 2025, 2-year follow-up results from the TRILUMINATE trial, published in Circulation, delivered compelling new evidence that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using the TriClip device significantly reduces hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).



Why It Matters

At 1 year, TRILUMINATE demonstrated improved quality of life, leading to FDA approval for TEER in severe TR. However, because the primary benefit was patient-reported, skeptics questioned the role of placebo effect in the absence of a sham-control.

Now, 2-year data confirms a 28% reduction in HF hospitalizations, giving the therapy objective, clinically meaningful impact.



Study Design

  • Design: Randomized, controlled, pivotal trial with adaptive design

  • Participants: 572 patients

    • Mean age: 78.1 years

    • Women: 58.9%

  • Intervention: TEER with TriClip vs. guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT)

  • Primary endpoints:

    • All-cause death or valve surgery

    • HF hospitalization

    • Quality of life (via KCCQ)


Inclusion Criteria

  • Severe tricuspid regurgitation

  • Not a candidate for tricuspid valve surgery

  • NYHA Class II–IV symptoms

  • Suitable anatomy for TEER


Exclusion Criteria

  • Life expectancy <12 months

  • Significant comorbid valve disease needing intervention

  • Severe pulmonary hypertension

  • Severe right ventricular dysfunction


Key 2-Year Outcomes

  • Annualized HF hospitalization rate:

    • TEER: 0.19/patient-year

    • Control: 0.26/patient-year

    • Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.72; P = 0.02

  • TR Severity (≤ moderate):

    • TEER: 84%

    • Control: 63% (boosted by crossover patients)

  • All-cause mortality or surgery:

    • Similar across arms, but confounded by crossover

  • KCCQ (Health status):

    • Stable/improved in TEER group

    • Improved after crossover

    • Minimal change in non-crossover control group

  • Safety:

    • Stroke: 1.9% (TEER) vs. 2.5% (control)

    • New pacemaker: 5.5% (TEER)

    • No device embolization or thrombosis


Crossover Impact

  • 60% of control patients crossed over to TEER after 1 year

  • Of these:

    • 92% had the procedure within 6 months

    • They had more torrential TR, worse symptoms, and more HF hospitalizations at baseline

    • After TEER, 81% had TR reduced to moderate or less

    • In contrast, only 21% of those who remained in the control group improved


Reimbursement Implications

  • TEER for TR is under review by CMS

  • CMS coverage with evidence development currently applies to transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement, but TriClip TEER could soon be added if long-term outcomes continue to show benefit

  • These results may influence national coverage determination (NCD) decisions expected soon


Limitations

  • No sham control, which leaves room for bias in subjective endpoints

  • Crossovers, while necessary for ethical reasons, blur treatment comparisons

  • Results may not apply to all etiologies of TR or complex anatomies


Take-Home Points

  • Tricuspid TEER with TriClip significantly reduces heart failure hospitalizations at 2 years

  • Benefits in TR severity and functional status are sustained

  • Quality of life improvements are reinforced by objective outcomes

  • CMS reimbursement may hinge on these findings—coverage decision expected soon

  • Best candidates are often symptomatic, high-risk patients with functional TR

  • Future directions include longer-term follow-up and cost-effectiveness analyses


TEER is no longer just about making patients feel better—it now reduces hard outcomes like hospitalization, opening the door for broader adoption and reimbursement.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

🧠 SONOBIRDIE Trial: A Sonic Breakthrough in Carotid Endarterectomy Safety 🎯

A wave of innovation is echoing through vascular surgery — and it sounds like ultrasound. The SONOBIRDIE trial, published in BMJ, brings fresh promise for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. By adding sonolysis, a low-intensity ultrasound technique, during surgery, the trial reveals significantly lower rates of neurological complications. This could redefine safety standards for patients with carotid stenosis. 🩺🧬



🌍 Study Overview

The multicenter trial involved 1,004 patients across Czechia, Slovakia, and Austria, all with ≥70% symptomatic or asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis.


🔍 Key Findings at a Glance

5.5% absolute reduction in the combined rate of ischemic stroke, TIA, or death within 30 days of surgery (2.2% vs 7.6%)
🧠 Lower risks of both ischemic stroke (RR 0.25) and TIA (RR 0.23) in the sonolysis group
🧲 Fewer new ischemic lesions on brain MRI 24 hours post-op (8.5% vs 17.4%)

These aren’t just numbers — they’re lives potentially changed and brains protected. 🧠💪


🛡️ Safety Profile: Rock Solid

📈 94.4% of patients in the sonolysis group remained free from serious adverse events
🩸 Only one case of intracerebral bleeding was reported in the entire trial

This shows that sonolysis isn’t just effective — it’s safe, too. ✅


🌀 How Sonolysis Works

Sonolysis uses a low-intensity pulsed wave ultrasound beam, applied via a transcranial Doppler probe — the same kind used in many hospitals today.

🛠️ Mechanism of Action:

  • Activates fibrinolytic enzymes

  • Disrupts microemboli and existing clots

  • Non-invasive, continuous application during surgery

Implementation is simple — if you’ve got an ultrasound machine, you’re halfway there! ⚙️🖥️

🌟 Eating Your Way to a Healthy Golden Age: The Ultimate Guide 🌟

Aging is something we all face, but did you know that what you eat can make a huge difference in how you feel as you grow older? A recent study in Nature Medicine (2025) by some super-smart folks—like Anne-Julie Tessier and Frank B. Hu—looked at how different diets can help us age gracefully and healthily. No complicated stats here—just simple, tasty tips for everyone! 🍎🥕 Let’s dive in and see how we can eat our way to a vibrant old age with a big smile! 😊


Why Food Matters for Aging 🍽️

As we get older, staying healthy becomes a top priority. The study followed over 105,000 people for 30 years (that’s a long time!) and found that what you eat in your middle years can set you up for a fantastic later life. We’re talking about keeping your brain sharp, your body strong, your mind happy, and steering clear of nasty diseases—all by picking the right foods! 🌈

The researchers checked out eight different eating styles—think of them as food roadmaps—and saw which ones worked best. Spoiler alert: they all had something awesome to offer, but some shone brighter than others! ✨ Let’s break it down.


The Winning Diets: What They Look Like 🥗

Here’s the scoop on the eating patterns that can help you thrive as you age:

  1. Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) 🌟
    • This one’s the superstar! It loves fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats (like olive oil). It says “see ya!” to too much red meat, sodium, and sugary drinks. People who stuck to this had up to 86% better odds of aging well—wow! 😮
  2. Mediterranean Diet (aMED) 🍇
    • Picture yourself by the sea with fish, nuts, and a splash of olive oil. This diet keeps things fresh and green with lots of veggies and cuts back on processed meats. It’s a tasty way to stay spry! 🐟
  3. DASH Diet 🧀
    • Designed to keep your heart happy, this one piles on low-fat dairy, fruits, and veggies, while kicking salt and sugary stuff to the curb. Your blood pressure will thank you! ❤️
  4. MIND Diet 🧠
    • A brain-boosting champ! It’s all about berries, leafy greens, and nuts, with less fried foods and sweets. Perfect for keeping your memory sharp as a tack! 🍓
  5. Healthful Plant-Based Diet (hPDI) 🌱
    • Love plants? This one’s for you! Load up on legumes, whole grains, and veggies, and ease up on animal foods. It’s green and good! 🌿
  6. Planetary Health Diet (PHDI) 🌍
    • This diet saves the planet and you! It’s big on plant-based proteins and keeps things sustainable with fewer meats and more nuts. Mother Earth approves! 🌏
  7. Low Inflammatory & Insulin Diets (rEDIP & rEDIH) 🔥
    • These focus on foods that keep inflammation and blood sugar in check—like fruits and veggies—and ditch the stuff that spikes them, like processed meats. Calm and cool! 😌

The big takeaway? Diets rich in plant-based goodies—with a sprinkle of healthy animal foods like low-fat dairy—are your ticket to aging like a rockstar! 🎸


Foods to Love ❤️ and Avoid 🚫

Not sure what to put on your plate? Here’s the cheat sheet:

Eat More of These 😋:

  • Fruits 🍎: Apples, berries, bananas—sweet and good for you!
  • Veggies 🥕: Carrots, spinach, broccoli—color your plate!
  • Whole Grains 🌾: Brown rice, oats, quinoa—fiber heroes!
  • Nuts & Legumes 🥜: Almonds, lentils, chickpeas—crunchy and filling!
  • Healthy Fats 🥑: Olive oil, avocados—smooth and silky!
  • Low-Fat Dairy 🧀: Yogurt, milk—creamy and kind to your bones!


Cut Back on These 😬:

  • Red & Processed Meats 🍔: Bacon, sausages—tasty but tricky!
  • Sugary Drinks 🥤: Soda, sweet teas—sugar overload!
  • Trans Fats 🍟: Found in some fried foods—say nope!
  • Sodium 🧂: Too much salt can sneak up on you!

Oh, and one more thing: ultra-processed foods (think chips, fast food, and packaged snacks) were linked to a 32% lower chance of aging well. So, keep it fresh and real! 🍃


Who Benefits Most? 👀

The study found these diets worked wonders for everyone, but they were extra awesome for:

  • Women 👩—they saw bigger boosts!
  • Smokers 🚬—a healthy diet can offset some damage!
  • Folks with a higher BMI ⚖️—more to love, more to gain!
  • Less active people 🛋️—you don’t need to run marathons to benefit!

No matter who you are, eating smart pays off big time! 💪


Why It Works: The Magic of Food ✨

These diets aren’t just tasty—they’re like superpowers for your body:

  • Brain Power 🧠: Berries and greens keep your mind buzzing.
  • Body Strength 💪: Nuts and dairy keep you moving.
  • Happy Vibes 😊: Less junk food means a sunnier mood.
  • Disease Defense 🛡️: Plants and healthy fats fight off chronic ills.

The best part? You don’t need to be perfect—just aim for more good stuff and less bad stuff over time. Small steps, big wins! 🌟


Your Next Bite 🍴

Ready to age like a champ? Start simple:

  • Swap that soda for a glass of water with a splash of fruit 🍋.
  • Toss some nuts into your snack routine.
  • Try a veggie-packed dinner regularly—like a colorful stir-fry! 🥦

These diets aren’t about strict rules—they’re about enjoying food that loves you back. So, grab a fork and dig into a healthier, happier you! 🥗


📌 Key Summary Points

  • 🌿 Plant-Based Power: Diets full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains rock for aging well.
  • 🏆 AHEI Wins: The Alternative Healthy Eating Index was the top performer for healthy aging.
  • 🚫 Less Junk: Cut back on processed meats, sugary drinks, and trans fats.
  • 🥛 Smart Animal Foods: A bit of low-fat dairy can boost the benefits.
  • Long-Term Love: Eating well in mid-life sets you up for a great old age.
  • 😊 Feel-Good Bonus: These foods help your brain, body, and mood stay awesome!

Here’s to growing older with gusto—cheers to good food and great vibes! 🥂

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Unveiling the Hidden Risks: Out-of-Hospital Mortality in Mitral TEER Patients Within 30 Days

Out-of-hospital mortality before 30 days was 1.2%, with roughly two-thirds of these patients dying from cardiovascular causes.

All-cause mortality after transcatheter-edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation (M-TEER) is just 3.0% at 30 days, but roughly two out of every five deaths that occur within this early window happen after the patient has been discharged from the hospital, according to a new TVT Registry analysis.

Those discharged who died within 30 days were sicker than those who survived, but there were several modifiable predictors of early mortality, including not being discharged on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT).

Operators may perform the procedure, the patient survives with no complications, and they feel the patient is ready to go home or to rehab, but these frail patients may need closer follow-up.

If there’s a concern that patients aren’t fully optimized on GDMT, it might be better to do that in the hospital setting to prevent later rehospitalization and mortality.

Of the patients who died outside the hospital within 30 days, nearly two-thirds did so from cardiovascular causes.

This “concerning signal” suggests that some patients may be going home when they’re still at high risk for cardiovascular events.

One would hope that patients discharged alive following M-TEER would be optimized from a cardiovascular standpoint and have a minimal rate of short-term out-of-hospital cardiovascular death.

Interventional cardiologists must do a better job of optimizing cardiovascular risk prior to discharge and not discharging patients who are at significant risk of cardiovascular death.

M-TEER is typically reserved for patients at high or prohibitive risk for mitral valve surgery, with a 2001 analysis showing the median STS predicted risk of mortality at 30 days for surgical valve repair was 5.35%.

That the overall real-world mortality was only 3.0% suggests that either M-TEER truly carries lower mortality risk than mitral valve surgery and/or lower-risk patients now account for the majority of M-TEER patients.

With one-third of out-of-hospital deaths occurring from noncardiovascular causes, the study also suggests that this is a high-risk group with significant comorbidities that might not be captured by the STS risk score.

With every new procedure, the initial focus is on in-hospital mortality to ensure it is safe, and prior studies have shown that early mortality rates after M-TEER are declining over time.

One recent analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology TVT Registry showed that 30-day mortality was 3.5%, with in-hospital mortality rates dropping as well, but there has been little information about out-of-hospital mortality within 30 days.

The new paper, published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, included 61,139 consecutive patients who underwent isolated M-TEER at 539 sites between 2014 and 2024.

Overall, 1,813 (3.0%) died either in or out of the hospital within 30 days, with 744 patients dying after discharge.

The rate of out-of-hospital mortality within 30 days was 1.2%, a percentage that was similar between those treated for functional and degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

For those who died out of hospital but within 30 days, the median time until death was 11 days.

Lower baseline hemoglobin, lower baseline Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) overall summary scores, home oxygen use, lower LVEF, presentation as NSTEMI, and lower body surface area were all independent predictors of 30-day out-of-hospital mortality.

A higher acuity presentation, in-hospital complications, and procedural factors, such as moderate or worse residual mitral MR, use of more than one device, and postprocedural gradient greater than 5 mm Hg, were also associated with a higher risk of early mortality after discharge, as was not being treated with an ACE inhibitor/ARB at discharge.

The analysis shows that patients who fail to survive to 30 days after discharge represent an elderly group with multiple comorbidities.

These data also show that prognosis after M-TEER is determined not solely by the mitral valve damage but more critically by potentially irreversible cardiac damage beyond the mitral valve itself.

With the low 30-day mortality rate, these data confirm that M-TEER is a safe procedure.

However, it’s also telling that some discharged patients “don’t make it past 30 days.”

Patients are discharged and asked to follow up with their doctor within 2 or 3 weeks, but the median time of death was less than 2 weeks, meaning half of the discharged population might not even be seen in a follow-up visit.

The study highlights the importance of appropriate patient selection for M-TEER, as patients who died out of the hospital had significantly lower baseline KCCQ scores by roughly 15 points than those who survived.

Complications, such as bleeding, can be unexpected, but GDMT and patient selection deserve more attention.

Many predictors of out-of-hospital mortality after discharge are the “usual suspects,” such as severity of illness or comorbidities, emphasizing the importance of choosing patients appropriately.

Quite a few were modifiable risk factors that can be addressed to improve outcomes, such as avoiding procedural complications, ensuring moderate residual MR isn’t left behind, and prescribing neurohormonal blockade with an ACE inhibitor/ARB for all patients.

The days of “fire and forget” after M-TEER are gone, and clinicians need to optimize GDMT to ensure the best possible outcome.

Data suggest many patients can tolerate uptitration of heart failure therapies after M-TEER, likely the result of hemodynamic stabilization.

The findings underscore the need for rigorous implementation of GDMT protocols starting on day 1 after the procedure, leveraging heart failure clinics, patient education programs, and electronic health record alerts.

Take-Home Points:

  • M-TEER is a safe procedure with a 3.0% 30-day mortality rate, but 1.2% of patients die out-of-hospital within that time, often from cardiovascular causes.
  • Modifiable predictors like lack of GDMT, procedural complications, and residual mitral regurgitation contribute to early mortality and can be addressed to improve outcomes.
  • Patients discharged after M-TEER need closer follow-up and optimization of cardiovascular risk, as many don’t survive past 2 weeks without it.
  • Appropriate patient selection is critical, as sicker patients with lower KCCQ scores and significant comorbidities are at higher risk of death.
  • Interventional cardiologists must prioritize GDMT protocols and ongoing care, moving away from a “fire and forget” approach to ensure long-term success.

Vutrisiran: New Chapter in the Treatment of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

The FDA has approved vutrisiran (brand name Amvuttra) for adults with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), including both wild-type and hereditary forms.

Vutrisiran is the first RNA interference (RNAi) therapy approved for ATTR-CM and also the only treatment approved for both ATTR-CM and hereditary transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN).



This marks a leap beyond TTR stabilizers, as vutrisiran silences the TTR gene, directly targeting the disease at its molecular root.

Approval was granted based on the HELIOS-B trial, which showed reductions in cardiovascular mortality, hospitalizations, and urgent heart failure visits.

Though the therapy is expensive, manufacturer Alnylam offers patient assistance programs to improve affordability.

Dual approval for ATTR-CM and hATTR-PN reflects vutrisiran’s utility across a broad spectrum of ATTR amyloidosis.

Its unique mechanism of silencing TTR mRNA cuts across genetic origins and organ systems affected by the disease.

As a clinically differentiated treatment, vutrisiran offers a novel method to reduce toxic TTR protein buildup.

ATTR-CM is a rare disease where misfolded TTR protein builds up in the heart, leading to heart failure.

These misfolded proteins form amyloid fibrils, causing the heart muscle to stiffen and weaken over time.

There are two main forms: hereditary (hATTR-CM) due to genetic mutations, and wild-type (wATTR-CM) due to aging.

Symptoms often mimic other cardiac conditions, making early and accurate diagnosis difficult.

Common signs include shortness of breath, leg swelling, fatigue, and arrhythmias.

Historically, few treatment options existed, resulting in poor prognosis.

Without treatment, survival typically ranges from 2 to 3.5 years after diagnosis.

This underscores the urgent need for therapies that modify disease progression.

Overlapping symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis, especially in older adults.

Raising awareness among healthcare professionals is key to catching the disease earlier.

People of Black ethnicity are at higher risk for familial ATTR, indicating potential health disparities.

Vutrisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy that works by degrading TTR mRNA in the liver.

It uses the body’s RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism to silence TTR protein production.

After a subcutaneous injection, vutrisiran enters hepatocytes, integrating into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).

The siRNA guide strand binds to TTR mRNA, leading to its cleavage and degradation.

This decreases production of both wild-type and mutated TTR, limiting amyloid formation.

A GalNAc conjugation helps liver cells absorb vutrisiran more efficiently.

This allows for a convenient quarterly injection schedule.

siRNA technology offers a direct approach, unlike TTR stabilizers which prevent misfolding.

Fewer injections could improve long-term adherence versus daily pills.

In the HELIOS-B trial, 655 patients were studied in a global, randomized, and placebo-controlled setup.

The goal was to reduce all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.

Patients receiving vutrisiran saw a 28% reduction in these risks.

In patients not taking tafamidis, the reduction increased to 33%, and mortality alone dropped by 35%.

Those already on tafamidis still benefited, with a 41% mortality reduction at 42 months.

Participants also maintained functional ability and reported improved quality of life.

Key cardiac biomarkers like NT-proBNP and troponin I showed early improvements.

The safety profile was favorable, with similar or fewer cardiac adverse events than placebo.

Results from HELIOS-B suggest vutrisiran may become a new standard of care.

The benefits were more pronounced in monotherapy, making vutrisiran a strong first-line option.

Combining vutrisiran with tafamidis may offer added benefit, but further research is needed.

Cardiac biomarkers reinforce its disease-modifying potential.

Three FDA-approved ATTR-CM therapies now exist: vutrisiran, tafamidis, and acoramidis.

Tafamidis stabilizes the TTR tetramer, preventing monomer breakdown and amyloid buildup.

Vutrisiran, by contrast, silences the TTR gene, cutting protein production at the source.

Vutrisiran is injected every three months, while tafamidis is taken daily by mouth.

Tafamidis reduced mortality by 33% over 30 months in the ATTR-ACT trial.

Vutrisiran showed 35% mortality reduction in monotherapy over 42 months.

In hATTR-PN, vutrisiran may improve polyneuropathy symptoms more than tafamidis.

Because vutrisiran lowers Vitamin A, supplementation is required.

Different mechanisms enable a personalized treatment approach for ATTR-CM.

Acoramidis (Attruby), like tafamidis, is a TTR stabilizer.

It binds to thyroxine sites, slowing tetramer dissociation and mimicking a protective mutation.

Acoramidis is taken twice daily, unlike quarterly-injected vutrisiran.

In ATTRibute-CM, acoramidis reduced mortality and hospitalizations by up to 48.2% at 42 months.

Vutrisiran showed 28% reduction in the general population in HELIOS-B.

Acoramidis also improved functional and biomarker outcomes.

It raises serum TTR, indicating its stabilizing effect.

Acoramidis is generally well-tolerated, with some GI side effects.

Its higher potency may translate to better clinical benefit.

Vutrisiran’s injection schedule may be preferable for some patients.

High TTR levels post-treatment reflect protein preservation, not disease worsening.

Vutrisiran is priced at $477,000/year, tafamidis at $268,000, and acoramidis at $244,000.

ICER recommends prices closer to $13,600–$39,000 for cost-effectiveness.

Still, vutrisiran earned an ICER "A" rating for clinical benefit.

Alnylam Assist offers copay, free drug, and insurance help.

Pfizer’s VyndaLink and BridgeBio’s ForgingBridges offer similar support for tafamidis and acoramidis.

High prices raise concerns about long-term healthcare sustainability.

Manufacturers aim to ensure broad coverage and access through support programs.

Next-gen therapies are on the horizon, including eplontersen, another siRNA therapy.

Eplontersen, under study in the CARDIO-TTRansform trial, is given monthly and already approved for hATTR-PN.

Other future treatments include NTLA-2001 (CRISPR gene editing) and monoclonal antibodies.

Fibril depleters like ALXN2220 and coramitug are also being tested.

This reflects a vibrant pipeline of diverse therapeutic strategies.

Eplontersen’s monthly dosing offers an alternative to vutrisiran’s quarterly schedule.

Gene editing technologies could lead to curative options for hereditary ATTR.

In summary, vutrisiran (Amvuttra) is a groundbreaking advance for ATTR-CM treatment.

It expands therapy beyond TTR stabilizers with a gene-silencing mechanism.

The HELIOS-B trial proved its ability to reduce mortality and cardiac events.

With both TTR silencers and stabilizers, clinicians can now personalize care.

Despite its high cost, access programs aim to help eligible patients.

The future looks promising with siRNA, gene editing, and other emerging approaches.

Vutrisiran represents a bold stride forward in conquering ATTR-CM. 

🔑 Key Take-Home Points: Vutrisiran for ATTR-CM

  • Vutrisiran (Amvuttra) is the first FDA-approved RNA interference (RNAi) therapy for ATTR-CM, targeting both wild-type and hereditary forms.

  • It works by silencing the TTR gene, reducing the production of amyloid-forming transthyretin (TTR) protein at its source.

  • Administered as a subcutaneous injection every 3 months, vutrisiran offers a convenient alternative to daily oral therapies like tafamidis.

  • The HELIOS-B trial showed vutrisiran significantly reduces all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events, especially in patients not on tafamidis.

  • Patients experienced improved functional capacity, quality of life, and lower levels of key cardiac biomarkers (e.g., NT-proBNP, troponin I).

  • Compared to TTR stabilizers (tafamidis, acoramidis), vutrisiran offers a distinct mechanism—a true gene-silencing approach.

  • Vitamin A supplementation is required during therapy, as vutrisiran can reduce serum vitamin A levels.

  • The therapy’s high annual cost (~$477,000) raises cost-effectiveness concerns, but robust patient assistance programs help improve access.

  • Acoramidis and tafamidis are oral TTR stabilizers, while vutrisiran and emerging eplontersen are siRNA-based TTR silencers.

  • The future of ATTR-CM treatment is expanding, with gene editing (CRISPR) and fibril-depleting therapies in clinical development.

  • Vutrisiran represents a paradigm shift in managing ATTR-CM, offering disease modification and improved outcomes for a historically devastating disease.

Vutrisiran Joins the Therapeutic Landscape for ATTR-CM

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved vutrisiran, marketed as Amvuttra, for the treatment of adults living with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), encompassing both wild-type and hereditary forms of the disease 1.



This significant decision marks vutrisiran as the first RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic to receive approval for this indication and distinguishes it as the only therapy currently sanctioned for both ATTR-CM and hereditary transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN) 1.

The introduction of vutrisiran expands the therapeutic options available to patients, moving beyond the existing treatments that primarily focus on stabilizing the transthyretin (TTR) protein, by offering a mechanism that silences the TTR gene 2.

This approval was supported by compelling evidence from the HELIOS-B clinical trial, which demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, hospitalizations, and urgent heart failure visits among patients treated with vutrisiran 1.

While the therapy comes with a substantial annual cost, Alnylam, the manufacturer, has indicated the availability of patient assistance programs to facilitate access 1.

The simultaneous approval of vutrisiran for both ATTR-CM and hATTR-PN suggests a broad utility of this therapeutic agent across the spectrum of ATTR amyloidosis.

This likely stems from its fundamental mechanism of action, which targets the TTR protein itself, the precursor to amyloid deposits regardless of the disease's origin or the organs affected. Furthermore, the description of vutrisiran as a "clinically differentiated treatment option" underscores its unique approach compared to the existing TTR stabilizers. By reducing the production of the TTR protein at its source, vutrisiran offers a distinct intervention point in the disease pathway, potentially leading to different clinical benefits or being more suitable for specific patient profiles.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a rare and progressively debilitating disease characterized by the accumulation of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) protein in the heart tissue 4.

This buildup forms amyloid fibrils, leading to the stiffening and weakening of the heart muscle, ultimately resulting in heart failure 4.

There are two primary classifications of ATTR-CM: hereditary (hATTR-CM), which arises from inherited genetic mutations in the TTR gene, and wild-type (wATTR-CM), which is associated with aging and occurs without a known genetic cause 4.

The symptoms of ATTR-CM can be varied and often mimic those of other cardiac conditions, making accurate and timely diagnosis challenging 4.

Common symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles (edema), persistent fatigue, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) 4. Historically, effective treatments for ATTR-CM have been limited, resulting in a poor prognosis for affected individuals if the disease goes untreated 5.

The average survival time for individuals with untreated ATTR-CM can range from 2 to 3.5 years following diagnosis 5. This underscores the significant unmet medical need for therapies that can effectively slow or halt the progression of this devastating disease and ultimately improve the outcomes for patients 1.

The fact that the symptoms of ATTR-CM often overlap with other more prevalent heart conditions suggests a potential for initial misdiagnosis or delays in recognizing the underlying cause 5. This highlights the critical importance of raising awareness among healthcare professionals to ensure that ATTR-CM is considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients presenting with heart failure and other suggestive signs.

Furthermore, studies have indicated that individuals of Black ethnicity have a higher likelihood of developing the familial form of ATTR 4. This observation points to potential health disparities associated with this disease and emphasizes the need for tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies that consider the diverse genetic risk factors across different populations.

Vutrisiran, known commercially as Amvuttra, represents a novel approach to treating ATTR-CM through its mechanism of action as a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy 1. This innovative therapeutic works by specifically targeting and degrading the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the transthyretin (TTR) protein within the liver 1.

The liver is the primary site of TTR protein production, and in ATTR amyloidosis, it is the misfolded forms of this protein that aggregate to form amyloid deposits in various tissues, including the heart. Vutrisiran harnesses the natural cellular process of RNA interference (RNAi) to achieve this targeted reduction in TTR production 12.

Upon administration via subcutaneous injection, vutrisiran enters the hepatocytes, the liver cells responsible for TTR synthesis 12. Within these cells, the siRNA component of vutrisiran is incorporated into a multi-protein complex called the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) 12. The siRNA then unwinds, and one of its strands, the guide strand, binds to the complementary sequence in the TTR mRNA molecule 12.

This binding triggers the cleavage and subsequent degradation of the TTR mRNA by the endonuclease activity associated with RISC 12. As a result, the levels of TTR mRNA are significantly diminished, leading to a corresponding decrease in the synthesis of both the normal (wild-type) and mutated forms of the TTR protein 1.

This reduction in the available TTR protein is crucial as it directly lowers the amount of misfolded protein that can contribute to the formation and accumulation of amyloid deposits in the heart, thereby addressing the underlying cause of ATTR amyloidosis 1. Vutrisiran utilizes a sophisticated delivery platform involving conjugation with N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) 11.

This modification enhances the uptake of the siRNA by liver cells, which express asialoglycoprotein receptors that bind to GalNAc, allowing for efficient and targeted delivery. This targeted delivery system enables subcutaneous administration of the drug just once every three months 11.

The use of siRNA technology offers a direct and highly specific way to lower TTR protein levels, contrasting with the mechanism of TTR stabilizers that work by preventing the breakdown and misfolding of the existing protein.

The less frequent subcutaneous administration, facilitated by the GalNAc conjugate, offers a potentially more convenient treatment schedule for patients compared to daily oral medications, which could improve long-term adherence.

The FDA approval of vutrisiran for ATTR-CM was primarily based on the positive results from the HELIOS-B clinical trial 1. This was a global, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study that enrolled 655 adult patients diagnosed with either wild-type or hereditary ATTR-CM 1.

The primary objective of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of vutrisiran in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events, a composite endpoint that reflects the major clinical consequences of the disease 1.

The study demonstrated that patients receiving subcutaneous injections of vutrisiran every three months experienced a statistically significant 28% reduction in the risk of this composite endpoint compared to those receiving a placebo 1.

Notably, a subgroup analysis revealed an even more pronounced benefit in patients who were not already taking tafamidis, another approved therapy for ATTR-CM. In this monotherapy population, vutrisiran treatment resulted in a 33% reduction in the risk of mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events during the double-blind treatment period, with this reduction extending to 35% for all-cause mortality alone when followed up to 42 months 1.

Furthermore, the study showed a significant 35% reduction in all-cause mortality in the monotherapy group over 42 months 14. Consistent benefits were observed across various key patient subgroups, including those who were receiving background therapy with tafamidis 14. In this subgroup, vutrisiran demonstrated a notable 41% reduction in all-cause mortality at 42 months compared to placebo 14.

Beyond these primary and secondary efficacy outcomes, patients treated with vutrisiran also showed preservation of their functional capacity and reported improvements in their quality of life compared to the placebo group 1. Additionally, the trial observed early improvements in key cardiac biomarkers, such as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin I, which are indicative of reduced cardiac stress and damage 1.

The safety profile of vutrisiran in the HELIOS-B trial was also encouraging, with the incidence of cardiac adverse events being similar or even lower in the vutrisiran treatment arm compared to the placebo arm 14.

These robust findings from the HELIOS-B study strongly suggest that vutrisiran has the potential to become a new standard of care in the treatment paradigm for ATTR-CM, offering significant clinical benefits in terms of survival and cardiovascular outcomes. The substantial reductions in mortality and cardiovascular events observed in the trial provide compelling evidence of vutrisiran's clinical effectiveness in managing ATTR-CM.

The fact that the treatment benefit was even greater in patients who were not concurrently taking tafamidis suggests that vutrisiran may be particularly impactful as an initial therapy for ATTR-CM or in individuals for whom TTR stabilization alone may not be sufficient.

While the study also indicated a trend toward additive efficacy when vutrisiran was used in conjunction with tafamidis, further research will be valuable in defining the optimal strategies for combining or sequencing these different therapeutic approaches.

The observed improvements in cardiac biomarkers further reinforce the clinical benefit of vutrisiran by demonstrating its positive effects on underlying cardiac pathology. These molecular-level changes support the notion that vutrisiran has a genuine disease-modifying impact in ATTR-CM.

The therapeutic landscape for ATTR-CM now includes vutrisiran alongside two other FDA-approved medications: tafamidis and acoramidis. Understanding the nuances of each therapy, particularly their mechanisms of action, administration, and efficacy profiles, is crucial for informed clinical decision-making.

Tafamidis (marketed as Vyndaqel and Vyndamax) operates through a different mechanism than vutrisiran. Tafamidis acts as a stabilizer of the transthyretin tetramer, preventing it from dissociating into monomers, which are the precursors to misfolded proteins and amyloid fibril formation 2. In contrast, vutrisiran works upstream by silencing the TTR gene, thus reducing the production of both the normal and mutated TTR protein 2.

Another key difference lies in their administration: vutrisiran is administered as a subcutaneous injection once every three months by a healthcare professional 1, whereas tafamidis is an oral medication taken once daily 11.

Assessing the comparative efficacy of these two therapies directly is challenging due to variations in the design and patient populations of their respective pivotal trials, as well as the fact that tafamidis was already available and used by some patients in the vutrisiran trial 20.

The ATTR-ACT trial demonstrated that tafamidis reduced all-cause mortality by 33% over a 30-month period 17. In the HELIOS-B trial, vutrisiran showed a 35% reduction in all-cause mortality in the monotherapy group over 42 months 14.

An indirect treatment comparison conducted in patients with hATTR-PN suggested that vutrisiran may have greater efficacy than tafamidis in improving polyneuropathy symptoms and health-related quality of life 22. Furthermore, vutrisiran has demonstrated a reduction in recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with ATTR-CM 20.

It is also important to note that treatment with vutrisiran leads to a decrease in serum Vitamin A levels, necessitating vitamin supplementation for patients on this therapy 1. The availability of two distinct mechanisms of action, TTR silencing with vutrisiran and TTR stabilization with tafamidis, offers clinicians a broader range of therapeutic strategies to consider based on individual patient characteristics and disease presentation.

This allows for a more personalized approach to managing ATTR-CM. While direct comparative data is limited, the existing evidence suggests that both therapies offer significant benefits in reducing mortality.

The potential advantages of vutrisiran in areas such as cardiovascular events and polyneuropathy, as indicated by indirect comparisons, warrant further investigation. The practical consideration of Vitamin A supplementation with vutrisiran is an important aspect of patient management that clinicians must address.

Acoramidis (marketed as Attruby) is the third approved therapy for ATTR-CM. Similar to tafamidis, acoramidis is a transthyretin stabilizer 2. It selectively binds to the thyroxine binding sites on the TTR protein, slowing the dissociation of the tetramer into monomers, which is the rate-limiting step in amyloidogenesis 26.

Acoramidis is described as a high-affinity stabilizer that aims for near-complete TTR stabilization and mimics the action of a naturally occurring protective mutation of the TTR gene 27. While vutrisiran is administered via quarterly subcutaneous injection 1, acoramidis is an oral medication taken twice daily 11. Direct comparisons between vutrisiran and acoramidis are also not available due to the lack of head-to-head clinical trials 21.

The ATTRibute-CM trial demonstrated that acoramidis significantly improved a composite primary endpoint consisting of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related hospitalization, change in NT-proBNP levels, and change in the 6-minute walk distance compared to placebo 24. At 30 months, acoramidis showed a 42% reduction in the composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to placebo, with this benefit extending to a 48.2% reduction with continuous use through 42 months 29.

In comparison, vutrisiran demonstrated a 28% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events in the overall population in the HELIOS-B trial 1. Acoramidis has also been shown to improve functional and biomarker endpoints in patients with ATTR-CM 24. Some data suggest that acoramidis treatment leads to an increase in serum TTR levels, likely due to its stabilizing effect on the protein 26.

Acoramidis was generally well-tolerated in clinical trials, with some patients experiencing gastrointestinal adverse reactions 26. While both tafamidis and acoramidis function as TTR stabilizers, acoramidis is believed to have a higher potency and achieve near-complete stabilization, which could potentially lead to greater clinical benefits.

The choice between the less frequent injection of vutrisiran and the twice-daily oral administration of acoramidis may depend on patient preference and lifestyle considerations. The observation that acoramidis increases serum TTR levels is a consequence of its mechanism of action, preventing the breakdown of the protein and its subsequent clearance, which can be a useful indicator of drug activity.

The annual list price for vutrisiran is a substantial $477,000, based on the current cost for its use in treating hATTR-PN. This price point is higher than the initial list price of tafamidis, which was approximately $268,000 per year upon its approval.

Acoramidis is priced at around $244,000 annually 34. These high costs have raised concerns about the cost-effectiveness of these therapies.

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has previously assessed tafamidis and suggested that its price would need to be significantly reduced to meet commonly accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds, recommending a price range of $13,600 to $39,000 per year for TTR stabilizers 34.

ICER gave the HELIOS-B data for vutrisiran an "A" rating, indicating a high certainty of substantial net health benefit compared to no disease-specific therapy 36.

However, a specific value assessment for vutrisiran itself was not available in the provided materials. Alnylam has stated that a significant majority (99%) of patients using vutrisiran for hATTR-PN have insurance coverage, with most paying $0 out-of-pocket, and the company anticipates similar broad coverage for ATTR-CM.

To support patient access, Alnylam offers a comprehensive patient assistance program called Alnylam Assist 3. This program includes a copay program for eligible commercially insured patients, a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) that provides vutrisiran at no cost to qualifying uninsured or underinsured individuals, and assistance with navigating insurance coverage, including a Quick Start program to provide initial doses during coverage delays 3.

Similarly, Pfizer offers patient assistance programs for tafamidis through VyndaLink and RxPathways 42. These programs provide copay support for commercially insured patients and assistance for those with limited or no insurance.

BridgeBio also has a patient support program called ForgingBridges for acoramidis, offering a patient prescription assistance program, copay assistance, and a QuickStart program 47.

Despite the availability of these patient assistance programs, the high list prices of vutrisiran and other ATTR-CM therapies remain a significant concern for the overall affordability and sustainability of healthcare.

While these programs can help individual patients manage out-of-pocket expenses, the substantial cost burden on payers and the potential limitations of these programs need to be considered. The expectation of broad insurance coverage for vutrisiran suggests a proactive effort by the manufacturer to ensure patient access, recognizing the clinical value demonstrated in the HELIOS-B trial.

The consistent presence of patient assistance programs across all approved ATTR-CM therapies underscores the industry's acknowledgment of the financial challenges associated with treating this rare and costly disease.

The field of ATTR-CM therapeutics continues to evolve with several promising therapies in development. Eplontersen, another siRNA therapy developed by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, is currently undergoing evaluation in the Phase III CARDIO-TTRansform trial for the treatment of ATTR-CM.

This therapy is administered via a monthly subcutaneous injection and is anticipated to potentially become available for ATTR-CM patients in approximately 18 months. Notably, eplontersen has already received FDA approval for the treatment of hATTR-PN under the brand name Wainua 49.

The CARDIO-TTRansform trial is considered the largest study conducted to date in ATTR-CM, reflecting the significant interest in developing effective treatments for this condition 50. Beyond siRNA therapies, other innovative approaches are being explored in clinical trials.

These include NTLA-2001, a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing therapy that aims to knock out the TTR gene, offering the potential for a more definitive treatment for hereditary forms of the disease 9.

Additionally, fibril depleters like ALXN2220 and coramitug, as well as monoclonal antibodies targeting misfolded TTR protein, are also in various stages of clinical investigation 9. These diverse therapeutic strategies, along with ongoing efforts to improve diagnostic tools, indicate a dynamic and rapidly advancing landscape for the treatment of both ATTR-CM and other forms of cardiac amyloidosis 51.

The emergence of multiple therapies with different mechanisms of action in the ATTR-CM pipeline signifies a positive trend towards offering a wider array of treatment options for patients.

The fact that eplontersen, like vutrisiran, utilizes siRNA technology highlights the potential of this approach in managing ATTR amyloidosis. The different dosing schedules (quarterly for vutrisiran vs. monthly for eplontersen) may offer varying advantages in terms of patient convenience or therapeutic profiles.

The development of gene editing technologies like CRISPR represents a groundbreaking approach that could potentially revolutionize the treatment of hereditary ATTR by addressing the root genetic cause of the disease.

In conclusion, the FDA approval of vutrisiran (Amvuttra) represents a significant milestone in the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).

As the first RNAi therapeutic approved for this indication, vutrisiran expands the treatment options beyond TTR stabilizers by offering a novel mechanism of action that reduces the production of the amyloidogenic TTR protein.

The clinical benefits demonstrated in the pivotal HELIOS-B trial, including significant reductions in mortality and cardiovascular events, underscore the potential of vutrisiran to improve outcomes for patients with this devastating condition.

The availability of two distinct classes of disease-modifying treatments, TTR stabilizers and TTR silencers, provides clinicians with more tools to personalize treatment strategies based on individual patient needs.

While the cost of vutrisiran is substantial, the existence of patient assistance programs aims to improve access for eligible individuals.

Looking ahead, the ATTR-CM therapeutic landscape is poised for further advancements with emerging therapies like eplontersen and innovative approaches such as gene editing holding great promise for the future.

Vutrisiran marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to effectively manage ATTR-CM and improve the lives of those affected by this rare and progressive disease.

Table 1: Comparison of Approved ATTR-CM Therapies





Feature

Vutrisiran (Amvuttra)

Tafamidis (Vyndaqel/Vyndamax)

Acoramidis (Attruby)

Mechanism of Action

TTR mRNA silencing, reduces TTR protein production

Stabilizes TTR tetramer, prevents misfolding

Stabilizes TTR tetramer, aims for near-complete stabilization

Administration

Subcutaneous injection every 3 months (HCP administered)

Oral capsule once daily

Oral tablet twice daily

Key Efficacy Findings

28% reduction in mortality/CV events (overall); 35% mortality reduction (monotherapy at 42 months)

33% reduction in all-cause mortality over 30 months

42% reduction in mortality/CV hospitalizations at 30 months; 48.2% reduction with continuous use at 42 months

Notable Side Effects

Injection site reactions, fatigue, arthralgia, dyspnea

Headache, UTI, peripheral edema, GI issues

Diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, increased serum creatinine

Vitamin A Supplementation

Yes

No

No

Table 2: Summary of Patient Assistance Programs for Approved ATTR-CM Therapies





Drug Name

Manufacturer

Program Name(s)

Types of Assistance Offered

Contact Information

Vutrisiran (Amvuttra)

Alnylam

Alnylam Assist®

Copay program, Patient Assistance Program (PAP), Quick Start program, insurance support

1-833-256-2748; www.AlnylamAssist.com

Tafamidis (Vyndaqel/Vyndamax)

Pfizer

VyndaLink™, Pfizer RxPathways

Copay savings program, Patient Assistance Program, benefits verification, prior authorization support

1-888-222-8475; www.VyndaLink.com

Acoramidis (Attruby)

BridgeBio

ForgingBridges

Patient Assistance Program (PAP), copay assistance, QuickStart program, personalized support for insurance navigation

1-888-55-BRIDGE (1-888-552-7434); ForgingBridges.com

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