ICYMI: AHA 2024 Scientific Session Highlights

Our top content from the American Heart Association (AHA) 2024 Scientific Sessions included exclusive expert insights and highlighted promising data on treatments for various cardiovascular (CV)-related diseases.

Our top content from the 100th annual American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions included exclusive expert insights and highlighted promising treatments. | Image Credit: wikipedia.org

Here are highlights from AHA 2024; catch up on all our coverage here.

5. Cardiomyopathy Risk Plummets When Sacubitril/Valsartan Taken With Chemo

Results from the SARAH trial presented at the AHA 2024 Scientific Sessions demonstrated that sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto; Novartis) showed promise for blocking cardiotoxic effects in patients taking anthracycline chemotherapy for cancer. More specifically, patients in the small study who took sacubitril/valsartan had their cardiomyopathy drop 77% compared with those in the placebo group. While these results are promising, Tochi M. Okwuosa, DO, of Rush University in Chicago, emphasized the need for longer-term follow-up and further research to assess real-world outcomes and the broader applicability of the therapy.

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4. KRAKEN: Oral Muvalaplin Safely Lowers Lp(a) in Early-Stage Trial

Findings surrounding muvalaplin, the first oral drug to lower lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), showed promise in a presentation at the AHA 2024 Scientific Sessions. Lp(a), a genetically driven variant of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, currently has no approved treatments. A phase 2 study found that muvalaplin significantly reduced Lp(a) by 70% with a traditional blood test and by 85.5% with a new test that evaluates “intact” Lp(a) particles. It also lowered apolipoprotein(b), or “bad” cholesterol, levels. Developed by Eli Lilly, muvalaplin offers a non-injection option for lowering Lp(a), with phase 3 trials in the works.

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3. For Obesity and HFpEF, Tirzepatide Cuts Risk of CV Death or Worsening HF by 38%

Among patients with obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), tirzepatide, a dual agonist for type 2 diabetes and obesity, significantly reduces the risk of CV death or worsening HF. The SUMMIT trial results presented at the AHA 2024 Scientific Sessions showed a 38% reduction in the risk of CV death or HF worsening in those who received tirzepatide vs placebo. The investigators also identified significant improvements in weight loss, inflammation, and physical function. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding tirzepatide’s high cost and the need for further research on its long-term benefits.

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2. Latest From FINEARTS-HF: No Sex-Specific Differences in Finerenone Outcomes for Heart Failure

Although women face a higher risk for HFpER, female representation in HF clinical trials remains lacking. However, the University of Glasgow’s Misato Chimura, MD, PhD, who presented the latest, sex-specific findings from the FINEARTS-HF trial on the safety and efficacy of finenerone (Kerendia; Bayer), told The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®) that the trial included 46% women; this makes it one of the few cardiovascular trials with substantial female representation. She added that both women and men showed similar reductions in HF events, CV disease, and all-cause mortality, with no significant sex-based differences in adverse events. Overall, there were no notable sex-specific differences in the metabolism or effectiveness of finerenone.

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1. Shaping the Future of Cardiology: Key Takeaways From AHA 2024

This video features exclusive insights from cardiology experts on their key takeaways from the 2024 AHA Scientific Sessions. A common theme was that conferences like this provide opportunities to explore novel scientific innovations, such as advancements in gene therapy and anti-obesity medication, and their impact on patient outcomes. The experts also emphasized the increasing importance of personalized medicine to address patients’ unique risk factors and comorbidities, signaling an end to the “one-size-fits-all” era. Overall, they expressed optimism for the future of cardiology and emphasized a commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary coordination to improve patient care.

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