The American Heart Association has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving access to clinical trials for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a progressive heart condition that disproportionately affects older adults and certain racial and ethnic groups.
The initiative addresses significant healthcare disparities, targeting knowledge gaps and limited research opportunities for populations often excluded from cardiovascular clinical trials. By developing educational resources, creating a referral network, and supporting multidisciplinary provider education, the organization seeks to ensure more equitable access to emerging gene editing therapies.
ATTR-CM is characterized by a protein buildup in the heart that impairs cardiac function, potentially leading to heart failure. Despite scientific advances in cardiovascular care, patients in rural and economically challenged communities continue to face barriers to cutting-edge treatments.
Dr. Michelle Kittleson, an American Heart Association volunteer, emphasized the initiative's importance, stating that the effort is designed to close the gap between medical innovation and patient access. The program will include national webinars, research assessments, and tools to help identify potential clinical trial participants.
Supported financially by Intellia Therapeutics, the nationwide initiative represents a significant step toward improving diagnosis, understanding, and treatment opportunities for individuals with this complex heart condition.
