A new drug that reduces heart muscle thickening could represent a new treatment option for heart disease patients, a study says. 

The TEMPEST trial, led by researchers at the University of Manchester, tested the drug trientine in 154 adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a year-long, placebo-controlled study. 

Results showed the drug led to a reduction in heart muscle thickening, allowing the body to better handle copper – an essential element in the heart for energy production, protecting cells from damage and controlling scarring. 

The study follows earlier research in animals showing that trientine improves the heart’s energy production, reduces harmful stress on cells and reduces heart muscle thickening and scarring. 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects around one in 500 people worldwide, causing thickening and scarring of the heart muscle. The condition is sometimes asymptomatic, but other patients suffer from breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain and blackouts. A small minority of patients have an increased risk of developing a dangerous heart rhythm, which can lead to sudden death. 

“This trial suggests trientine may be a promising option for people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,” said Professor Chris Miller from The University of Manchester. 

“People with more advanced disease seemed to benefit the most, but larger studies are needed to confirm this. 

“There were few side effects, and the drug was generally well tolerated.” 

First author and PhD student, Dr John Farrant from The University of Manchester added: “These findings provide the first evidence that targeting copper could open a new chapter in treating all patients with this condition.”