Camzyos (Mavacamten) is an innovative drug designed for adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). As the first FDA-approved cardiac myosin inhibitor, Camzyos brings new hope for treatment to patients by targeting the myocardial contraction process. So, what is Camzyos?

What is Camzyos?

Camzyos, developed by a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb, has been approved in many countries around the world.

Principle of Action

Camzyos is a selective, reversible inhibitor of cardiac myosin ATPase. Camzyos reduces the formation of cross-bridges by reducing the binding of myosin to actin. These cross-bridges are key structures for muscle contraction, so the inhibitory effect of Camzyos will lead to a weakening of myocardial contractility.

Clinical Application

Camzyos is mainly used to treat patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), especially those with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II-III. Camzyos aims to improve the quality of life and symptoms of these patients, such as dyspnea and fatigue.

Drug metabolism

Camzyos is metabolized mainly by CYP2C19 (74%), CYP3A4 (18%), and CYP2C9 (8%). The half-life of Camzyos is 6 to 9 days in normal CYP2C19 metabolizers, while it can be extended to 23 days in individuals with poor metabolization.

After introducing Camzyos from the perspective of its mechanism of action, clinical application, and drug metabolism, what are the precautions for Camzyos during medication?

What are the precautions for Camzyos during medication?

Understanding the precautions for Camzyos is conducive to the safe and effective use of drugs by patients.

Drug interactions and metabolism

Camzyos is mainly metabolized by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes. When used in combination with other drugs that may affect the activity of these enzymes, drug interactions may occur, affecting the efficacy of Camzyos or increasing the risk of adverse reactions. When co-administered with weak CYP2C19 inhibitors or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, the dose of Camzyos needs to be adjusted, and clinical and echocardiographic evaluations should be performed 4 weeks after the start of the inhibitor.

Contraceptive measures and embryo-fetal toxicity

Based on the results of animal studies, Camzyos may cause fetal toxicity when taken by pregnant women. Before treatment, women of reproductive potential should be confirmed to be non-pregnant, and they should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment with Camzyos and for 4 months after the last dose. Camzyos may reduce the effectiveness of combined hormonal contraceptives, so alternative contraceptive methods are recommended.

Warm reminder: During the use of Camzyos, medical follow-up and cardiac function monitoring, such as cardiac ultrasound, should be performed regularly. This helps doctors evaluate the efficacy of the drug, detect possible adverse reactions in a timely manner, and adjust the treatment plan according to the situation.