Mavacamten is slated as a possible new drug for HCM in Maine Coon cats

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We know that about 30% of Maine Coon cats have a genetic mutation which makes it likely that they will develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the muscle walls of the heart. It leads to heart failure and other complications. It is an inherited disease in Maine Coon cats, one of several. It is a shame that this highly popular cat breed, which is increasing in popularity, has the stain of inherited diseases against its reputation.

RELATED: Gene mutation troponin-T (TNNT2) implicated in HCM in Maine Coon cats.

Note thickening of heart muscle and decrease in lumen size of the ventricle.
HCM in cats. Note thickening of heart muscle and decrease in lumen size of the ventricle. Gif: CVCA.

Mavacamten (MYK-461) is a drug which is about to emerge as a treatment for HCM in humans. In 2020 MyoKardia was purchased by Bristol-Myers Squib for $13.1billion. The price was based in part on this new drug which has been shown to improve heart function in 37% of humans suffering from HCM compared to 17% who improved taking a placebo.

In 2014 MyoKardia with Sanofi developed the drug. Results were encouraging in mice because it improved the heart function of mice with HCM and delayed the onset of the disease.

A founder of MyoKardia has an interest in cats. She knew that Maine Coon cats have this problem with HCM. She therefore made this drug available to the cardiology services at the University of California Davis veterinary hospital. 

They tried the drug on cats with HCM and in five of the patients the results were encouraging, it is said. Using echocardiography, they found that the drug appeared effective in lowering the abnormally high pressure found within the hearts of cats suffering from HCM.

The drug is still being tested. As at 24 March 2022, I'm told that the FDA states that MyoKardia are still recruiting people for a long-term study of this drug and its effects on humans.

On the downside, testing the drug on rabbits it was found that it not only decreased the force of their hearts but it also led to a general weakness in other muscles.

If you have a Maine Coon with HCM when might your veterinarian be able to prescribe this drug as a treatment? The answer to that question is, probably, we don't know. You might wish to ask your veterinarian for an update. I would hope that some if not the majority of veterinarians have heard about it. It seems hopeful and it may extend the lifespan of Maine Coon cats with this serious disease.

In the meantime, I would hope that cat breeders are doing something about minimising the occurrence of the disease through a change in policy with respect to selective breeding this cat breed. Breeders can take proactive steps to prevent. Drugs are reactive steps to alleviate some of the symptoms.

Sources: Veterinary websites.

Location: United States

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