Camzyos Fails Phase 3 Trial for Genetic Heart Condition, Says Bristol Myers

Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) recently announced that its heart medication, Camzyos, did not achieve its primary objectives in a Phase 3 clinical trial aimed at expanding its application. This development is significant as it may limit the drug's market potential. The failed trial focused on non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM), a condition for which Camzyos was being tested. While BMS did not release specific data from this trial, it plans to present detailed results at a forthcoming medical conference.

Initially approved in 2022, Camzyos was designed to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), a condition closely related to nHCM. During its first year on the market, the drug generated $602 million in global sales, marking a 141% increase from the previous year. Camzyos is a prominent product in BMS’s “growth portfolio,” which was instituted by CEO Chris Boerner alongside various cost-reduction strategies aimed at improving the company's trajectory. This growth portfolio is expected to account for half of BMS's sales in the current year.

The recent setback with the nHCM trial could impact the drug's future sales prospects, especially since BMS does not have additional active clinical trials for Camzyos targeting other diseases. However, the company is conducting a pediatric trial for the drug in adolescents aged 12 to 17 with oHCM. Following the announcement of the trial's failure, BMS's stock experienced a decline of approximately 2% in after-hours trading.

According to a pipeline update released in February, BMS was preparing for a potential 2026 launch of Camzyos, contingent on the success of the Phase 3 trial. Back in 2022, the company anticipated that the drug could achieve peak sales of up to $4 billion by 2029. This projection now seems uncertain in light of the recent trial results.

Besides Camzyos, Bristol Myers has identified other key products as growth drivers. These include the CAR-T cell therapies Abecma and Breyanzi, the PD-1 inhibitor Opdivo, the immunology medication Sotyktu, and Cobenfy, a newly-approved treatment for schizophrenia. These drugs form part of the strategic plan to bolster the company’s market position and financial performance.

Overall, the failure of Camzyos to meet its endpoints in the nHCM study presents a significant hurdle for BMS. The company must now reassess its market strategies and potential growth opportunities for this drug. Despite this setback, BMS continues to focus on its broader portfolio, leveraging other promising pharmaceutical products to sustain its growth trajectory. As the industry awaits further details from the trial, stakeholders will be keen to see how BMS navigates this challenge and adjusts its future plans for Camzyos and its broader product lineup.