What is Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)?
To understand what is Attruby for, it is essential to first understand the condition it treats. Transthyretin-mediated amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM, is a progressive and serious disease affecting the heart muscle. The transthyretin (TTR) protein, normally transporting thyroxine and vitamin A, can mutate or misfold with age in ATTR-CM patients.
This misfolding causes the TTR protein to break apart and form harmful amyloid fibrils. These fibrils build up in the heart, making its walls stiff, thick, and enlarged. This stiffening impairs the heart's ability to fill with blood, leading to heart failure symptoms like shortness of breath and leg swelling.
How Attruby Works to Treat ATTR-CM
Attruby, with its active ingredient acoramidis, is a selective transthyretin (TTR) stabilizer. It targets the TTR protein, binding to its thyroxine-binding sites to prevent breakdown and misfolding. This stabilization limits amyloid fibril formation and deposit buildup in the heart. By slowing disease progression, Attruby helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations and death. Clinical trials showed rapid TTR stabilization and reduced increases in heart failure biomarkers within weeks of treatment.
Attruby Administration
Attruby is an oral medication taken as prescribed. It is typically taken twice daily. It can be taken with or without food, ideally at the same time each day for consistent drug levels. Tablets must be swallowed whole. If a dose is missed, take it when remembered, but skip it if the next dose is near; do not double doses. Store tablets in their original blister card at room temperature away from moisture.
Potential Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Attruby is generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild. Common side effects include diarrhea and upper abdominal pain. A mild, typically stabilizing increase in blood creatinine may occur early in treatment.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements. Concurrent use with UGT and strong CYP3A inducers (like some antiepileptics and St. John's wort) should be avoided as they can reduce Attruby's effectiveness. Attruby can also affect drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 (like warfarin and celecoxib), requiring closer monitoring.
Attruby vs. Vyndamax: A Comparison of ATTR-CM Stabilizers
Attruby is one option among TTR stabilizers for ATTR-CM, while Vyndamax (tafamidis) is another FDA-approved medication. The choice between them requires discussion with a healthcare provider. A comparison can be found on {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/attruby.html}.
Conclusion
For adults with ATTR-CM, Attruby is a new therapeutic option to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalizations. As a TTR stabilizer, it addresses the disease's root cause by preventing amyloid deposit buildup in the heart. Patients should consult their doctor to determine if Attruby is suitable for their condition, considering potential side effects and interactions. Further details are available in the FDA announcement on Attruby's approval.
