New heart drug given go-ahead for use on NHS

A first-of-its-kind treatment targeting a chronic heart disease has been given the goahead for use by the NHS.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has approved the use of mava camten to treat those with obstructive hypertr op hic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – with about 7,000 people expected to benefit.

The drug – also known as Camzyos – is the first to specifically target the chronic disease, which in 50% of cases is caused by an inherited genetic mutation.

It would be prescribed alongside other medicines such as beta-blockers.

Symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pains and heart palpitations, and it can lead to complications such as an irregular heartbeat, heartand sudden cardiac death.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said the move is" another example our commitment to drive early access to innovative new treatments".

She added: "Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease for which, until now, there has been no specific treatment that targets its underlying cause.

"The treatments currently used to try to manage symptoms are associated with side effects and are often ineffective.

"We're therefore pleased to be able to recommend a treatment that has the potential to offer greater hope to people with it."

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "This is very welcome news for patients with obstructive HCM, who often havedebilitating symptoms. Mava cam ten provides a real breakthrough.”