Why one diabetes drug may sharply cut heart failure risk for genetically vulnerable patients

Article excerpt

Researchers at Mass General Brigham and the Broad Institute discovered that dapagliflozin, a common diabetes drug, substantially reduces heart failure risk in patients carrying rare genetic variants that predispose them to cardiomyopathy. The finding matters because these genetic mutations, which weaken the heart muscle, traditionally carry a high risk of developing full-blown heart failure. The study suggests the medication works particularly well for this genetically vulnerable population, potentially offering a preventive treatment strategy for people who inherited the condition but haven't yet shown symptoms.