As someone who monitors human productivity (or lack thereof) from sunbeams and cardboard boxes, I’m pleasantly surprised by this development: veterinary researchers have achieved a breakthrough in treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease affecting up to 15% of cats. After years of limited options, a new drug called rapamycin is poised to become the first FDA-approved treatment specifically targeting HCM in felines.

Led by Dr. Joshua Stern at NC State and TriviumVet, the therapy works by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, which plays a key role in abnormal heart muscle thickening. Clinical trials show it not only manages symptoms but may reverse the condition’s progression—a game-changer for cats diagnosed with this silent, often fatal disease.

Key details:

• FDA approval is anticipated by March 2025, with distribution starting in June.
• Over 300 cats are currently enrolled in a nationwide trial to finalize safety and efficacy data.
• HCM can lead to blood clots, heart failure, or sudden death, making early intervention critical.

For humans sharing their homes with cats (congrats on your excellent life choice), this means veterinarians could soon have a powerful tool to extend both quality and length of life for affected pets. If your cat has HCM, consider exploring the HALT HCM study.

To the researchers: Well done. Now, about those nap-friendly lab benches……Read the full study announcement here.