Kristen Hsu, ARC’s Executive Director of Research, shared the latest updates on ATTR (transthyretin amyloidosis) clinical trials and what these developments mean for patients and families. There was also an opportunity for questions and answers.
This webinar “Coffee Chat” style webinar is your chance to learn about the different programs and projects ARC has been working on in 2025! Hear directly from ARC staff how we are supporting patients and helping shape the future of amyloidosis.
Clinical Psychologist Rosalind Kalb, PhD shared helpful advice, self-care tips, and real-life strategies to make daily life a little easier for both Care Partners and loved ones. Linnie, an amyloidosis Care Partner, also shared experiences and perspectives from her own life.
Dr. Sami Khella, Professor of Neurology and co-founder of the Amyloidosis Program at the University of Pennsylvania discussed the latest in diagnosis, treatment, and management of neuropathy and amyloidosis.
ARC Executive Director of Research Kristen Hsu presented an overview of the different approaches to treating ATTR amyloidosis, as well as the most current updates for the clinical trial landscape, with a focus on ATTR trials.
Dr. Jan Griffin, amyloidosis cardiologist at the Medical University of South Carolina, discussed how ATTR affects the heart and explored advances in treatments for ATTR-CM.
This white paper summarizes advancements in the field, key challenges, and consensus priorities for the amyloidosis research community that were identified and discussed by attendees of the 2024 ARC Research Roundtable Meeting. The information presented in this paper represents the opinions and outlooks of the global amyloidosis experts.
Understanding Living with Amyloidosis: Insights from the ARC Annual Community Survey
Sabrina Rebello, ARC's Senior Research Manager, presented an in-depth overview of key insights from our Annual Community Survey. This webinar focused on understanding the experiences of patients and caregivers throughout their diagnostic journey and ongoing care.
Reliability and validity of the Transthyretin Amyloidosis – Quality of Life (ATTR-QOL) Questionnaire impact scales
Lovley, A., Hsu, K., LaGasse, K. et al. Reliability and validity of the Transthyretin Amyloidosis – Quality of Life (ATTR-QOL) Questionnaire impact scales. J Patient Rep Outcomes 9, 44 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41687-025-00880-7
Dr. Meghan Beier, psychologist at the Rowan Center for Behavioral Medicine, explored the emotional aspects of amyloidosis. She discussed mental health issues in amyloidosis and present strategies for coping.
Development of Imaging Endpoints for Clinical Trials in AL and ATTR Amyloidosis: Proceedings of the Amyloidosis Forum
Dorbala, S, Adigun, R, Alexander, K. et al. Development of Imaging Endpoints for Clinical Trials in AL and ATTR Amyloidosis: Proceedings of the Amyloidosis Forum. J Am Coll Cardiol Img. null2025, 0 (0) .
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.11.003
Dr. Sarah Cuddy, cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, explored the basics of amyloidosis. She presented an introduction to amyloidosis, the different types, and the available treatments. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session.
Factors associated with financial toxicity in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis: results from Amyloidosis Research Consortium’s treatment affordability patient and caregiver survey
Rebello, S., Hsu, K., Nativi-Nicolau, J., Karam, C., Grogan, M., Lousada, I., & Maurer, M. S. (2025). Factors associated with financial toxicity in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis: results from Amyloidosis Research Consortium’s treatment affordability patient and caregiver survey. Amyloid, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/13506129.2025.2462541
ARC Executive Director of Research Kristen Hsu presented the most current updates for the clinical trial landscape, with a focus on ATTR amyloidosis. Kristen will discussed the direction of future research. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session.
To wrap up 2024, this month’s ARC Talks Webinar consisted of a conversation with ARC staff. We shared highlights from 2024, started to look ahead to 2025, and answered your questions about the work we do for the amyloidosis community.
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, ARC hosted a discussion between Debra Ruehlman, amyloidosis family caregiver, and Ann Payne, MSW, ARC Clinical Care and Education Manager. This webinar explored topics such as self care, self advocacy, and community resources.
Covering information on Medicare basics, choosing a Part D plan, and coverage gaps, ARC was joined by Sylvia Gary from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The dedicated team behind the transformative initiatives of ARC discuss the impactful work of the Leadership, Research, Development, Communications, and Community Alliance departments.
Knowing Your Rights: Understanding Health insurance Coverage
Alicia Lawrence, Information and Resource Services Manager at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), discussed health insurance policies within private and government issued insurance.
Dr. Nelson Leung focused on renal involvement in AL, AA, ALECT2 and ATTR amyloidosis, while discussing treatment and response assessments for each type.
Cardiac and Neurological Approaches in ATTR Management
Dr. Nativi-Nicolau and Dr. Elizabeth Mauricio discussed the decision pathway in management of ATTR amyloidosis from the cardiac and neurological standpoint.
Ralph, a patient with Wild-Type ATTR amyloidosis, describes his journey to diagnosis. A commercial and technical diver, Ralph’s bilateral carpal tunnel was often attributed to his career. After multiple doctors misdiagnosed Ralph, one physician sent a tissue sample out for a biopsy, which led to Ralph’s amyloidosis diagnosis. From there, a journey of self-education, empowerment, and treatment have helped him take on amyloidosis and keep living, despite the challenges of this difficult disease.
Overview of ARC’s Research Programs and Results of the Patient Community Survey
Kristen Hsu, Executive Director of Research, and Sabrina Rebello, Research Manager, provide an overview of ARC’s research programs, share findings from our 2022 community survey results, and highlight the future direction of ARC’s research.
Amyloidosis expert Dr. John L. Berk presents the most current treatment options for ATTR amyloidosis. Dr. Berk also discusses clinical trials and future research. The webinar concludes with a Q and A session.
Briana Pineau, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietician at Boston Medical Center, discusses the role nutrition can play in the management of amyloidosis symptoms. In addition to covering gastrointestinal involvement associated with various types of amyloidosis, Briana covers the broader health benefits of a balanced diet.
Many types of amyloidosis can affect patients’ gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing painful, annoying, or even debilitating symptoms. It is common for patients with amyloidosis to experience GI involvement and in fact, some patients may have GI-related symptoms as their most predominant sign or chief complaint.
Dr. Kevin Alexander, a cardiac amyloidosis specialist from Stanford University, discusses the cardiac signs and symptoms to recognize, treatment and management options for each type of Amyloidosis and the future direction of research in the field.
Isabelle Lousada shares her experiences with amyloidosis and the lessons learnt on how to become an empowered and informed patient. Lisa Mendelson, nurse practitioner from Boston University’s Amyloidosis Program provides a valuable medical perspective about how to build a successful relationship with your care team. Original presentation date June 23, 2022.
Many types of amyloidosis can affect patients’ nerves, causing painful, annoying, or even debilitating symptoms. It is common for patients with amyloidosis to experience neuropathy and in fact, some patients may have nerve-related symptoms as their most predominant sign or chief complaint.
Rare disease mental health expert Kym Winter will equip you with the resources and tools you need to take care of your mental health.
In this interactive session, you will be introduced to the Stress Bucket Approach, which is a simple way of thinking about and looking after your own - and others’ - emotional wellbeing in order to live well with the impacts of a rare disease such as amyloidosis. Original presentation date February 23, 2022
In this ARC Talks special presentation, Coffee with ARC, some members of the ARC team will provide an overview of ARC's history and areas of focus, as well as our plans for 2022 and beyond. Original presentation date December 9, 2021
In amyloidosis, common symptoms such as gastrointestinal manifestations and neuropathy are often the most troublesome for patients. In our ARC Talks Webinar for patients and caregivers, amyloidosis experts from across multiple specialties explain approaches for symptom management. Our experts provide you with the knowledge you need to live well with amyloidosis. Original presentation date October 26, 2021
This ARC Talks Webinar covers everything that patients and their families should know about wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis. Dr. Martha Grogan, Founder and Director of the Cardiac Amyloid Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, covers disease progression, prognosis, treatment options, and more. Dr Grogan then answers questions from the audience from our live presentation on June 10, 2021.
Disease and Treatment Overview: Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) is an age-related disease caused by transthyretin (TTR) proteins that become unstable, misfold, and build up in organs, impairing their function. It is a slowly progressive condition that affects older people, most often Caucasian men over 65 years of age. Heart disease is the hallmark of ATTRwt, but it is commonly preceded by other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or spinal stenosis.
Introducción a la Enfermedad y Tratamiento: Amiloidosis Por Transtirrentia Natural
La amiloidosis por transtiretina de tipo salvaje (ATTRwt) es una enfermedad relacionada con la edad causada por proteínas transtiretina (TTR) que se vuelven inestables, se pliegan mal y se acumulan en los órganos, lo que altera su función. Es una afección de progresión lenta que afecta a personas mayores, con mayor frecuencia a hombres caucásicos mayores de 65 años. La enfermedad cardíaca es el sello distintivo de ATTRwt, pero comúnmente va precedida por otras afecciones, como el síndrome del túnel carpiano o la estenosis espinal.
In this ARC Talks webinar, Dr. Kelsey Barrell from the University of Utah explains what causes neuropathy and other neurological symptoms in amyloidosis patients and offers suggestions to help manage these symptoms.
Nancy Verel, a nurse at the Cleveland Clinic, shares her story about her family's journey through her husband's AL amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment. Robert David from BMC Cancer Support Programs provides coping and support strategies for caregivers.
James' only concerning symptom leading up to his diagnosis was bilateral edema. But, after a stroke, James spent a month in the hospital and received a surprising diagnosis of Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloidosis. James shares his story and optimism just months after his diagnosis.
Physical and Occupational Therapy – Managing Your Amyloidosis
In this patient webinar, Mayo Clinic's occupational therapist Sarah Dahlhauser, OTD, OTR/L, and physical therapist Sarah Boyd, PT, DPT, discuss exercise principles for maintaining mobility and function, and home modifications for improved safety for amyloidosis patients.
This webinar covers access to innovative new therapies through expanded access programs with guest speakers Jennifer Miller, PhD, Assistant Professor at Yale University School of Medicine and Alison Bateman-House, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine.
Join our email list to stay up to date on the latest Amyloidosis news.
Kristen Hsu, ARC’s Executive Director of Research, shared the latest updates on ATTR (transthyretin amyloidosis) clinical trials and what these developments mean for patients and families. There was also an opportunity for questions and answers.
43:43 — How long does FDA approval take after Phase 3?
47:18 — Other Recruiting and Planned Clinical Studies
47:59 — How to Find Clinical Trials
51:50 — Q&A Session
51:56 — What’s the difference between TTR knockdown and stabilizer drugs?
55:02 — Are there any studies showing silencers and stabilizers are beneficial in combination or one is better than the other?
57:10 — Can you share about Attralus’ AT-02 study?
58:24 — Can you share about the Cliramitug/DepleTTR-CM (ALXN220) study?
1:00:49 — Will having an ICD (cardiac defibrilator) implanted exclude me from clinical trials?
1:01:38 — Why do trials exclude normal NT-proBNP levels?
1:03:57 — Are there trials for wild-type ATTR without cardiac involvement?
1:06:15 — Conclusion
Questions Answered After the Webinar:
Q: What’s the difference between TTR knockdown and stabilizer drugs?
A: TTR knockdown agents inhibit production of TTR so that your body doesn’t produce it anymore. Stabilizers work to stabilize the TTR protein so that it does not breakdown and form subunits that then aggregate, misfold, and form amyloid fibrils. Depleters work to remove the existing amyloid fibrils from the organs.
Q: Do the depleters reduce amyloid deposits only in the heart or more generally in the musculoskeletal system?
A: In theory, depleters would remove amyloid deposits from the organs that they form on. The current clinical trials being conducted are specifically looking at the heart.
Q: Are any studies planned for wild-type ATTR with polyneuropathy without cardiac involvement?
A: At this time there are no current studies planned for ATTR Wild-Type that focuses only on polyneuropathy. Many studies of ATTR wild-type include measurements of polyneuropathy, but these are being measured in patients who all have cardiac involvement.
Q: Will the CLEOPATTRA study allow infusion centers that may be closer than the study center to infuse?
A: This will vary depending on the centers conducting the study. You would have to discuss this with the Study Center or contact NovoNordisk directly to inquire about this.
Q: Have you heard of a future study similar to the Cleopatra study for ATTR-PN?
A: At this time, we are not aware of any Phase 3 trials of depleteres (ex: Coramitug, cliramitug) planned for ATTR-PN and if there are, this has not been publicly shared yet. As soon as we learn of new studies, we will let our community know.
Q: Is the “turning off a tap” analogy for silencers or stabilisers?
A: The analogy is used to demonstrate the impact of both silencers and stabilizers. Silencers reduce the amount of protein being produced in the body whereas stabilizers reduce the ability for the protein to breakdown, misfold and develop amyloid fibrils.
Q: What is the earliest these trials could be on the market?
A: The time from trial to market of any drug varies by disease and other factors. Please refer back to the slide deck where we discuss the Phases of a Clinical Trial (slide 9) and the Time to Approval Post Phase 3 study completion (slide 35).
Q: Are there any studies on mortality rate after initial treatments?
A: Studies on mortality rate after initial treatments are currently ongoing. Below you can find published articles related to these specific medications.
b. Understanding how long people with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) live when they take tafamidis as part of their regular healthcare: a plain language summary https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40391408/
ii. Acoramidis
a. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Acoramidis in ATTR-CM: Initial Report From the Open-Label Extension of the ATTRibute-CM Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39556242/
Q: What are the best markers to see if Tafamidis treatment is effecive? Can multiple therapy drugs be used at same time?
A: Multiple medications can be used at the same time, with some patients receiving a stabilizer and silencer but we cannot make recommendations on this.
Unfortunately, there is no simple test to check whether Tafamidis is working the way it should and since it slows disease progression, most won’t notice or feel the effects.
Tafamidis efficacy is monitored indirectly by tracking functional cardiac measures (NT-proBNP and troponin) echocardiography (strain, wall thickness, EF) and 6-minute walk test along with symptoms and quality of life (NYHA class, KCCQ, or ATTR-QOL). Dr. Mathew Maurer graciously provided us this information regarding monitoring the effectiveness of tafamidis:
i. Clinical — Heart failure or cardiovascular hospitalization, urgent visits for heart failure or outpatient worsening heart failure, characterized by oral diuretic intensification, NYHA class, days alive out of hospital.
ii. Functional — 6-minute walk test, short physical performance battery (SPPB), cardiopulmonary exercise testing and fraility measures.
iv. Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) — Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), Compositive Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (Compass-31), European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 5 Level Version (EQ5D-5L), Short form 12-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF12 or SF36), ATTR-QOL
v. Electrocardiographic — Declining WRS voltage, new arrhythmias or worsening arrhythmia burden, progressive conduction disease, need for permanent pacer.
Q: Will subcutaneous (delivered under the skin) stabilizers ever be able to be injected at home?
A: There currently are no approved subcutaneous treatments for at-home use for ATTR-CM at this time. Some insurance companies will cover an at-home nurse to provide the injection but this is not always approved or covered.
Q: What is the efficacy of green tea capsules (decaf)?
A: Lab work suggests EGCG (a compound in green tea) can bind TTR and affect fibril formation, and small observational studies in wild-type ATTR cardiomyopathy reported stabilization of heart muscle thickness over ~12 months. But these were uncontrolled studies, and green tea hasn’t been shown to prevent progression or replace proven therapies. Major guidelines focus on disease-modifying drugs (e.g., tafamidis) and do not recommend EGCG as standard treatment. If you choose to take a green tea extract, please keep your clinician in the loop and avoid exceeding label doses.
Q: Are there any studies on Vyndamax vs Attrruby?
A: At this time there have been no studies conducted on a head-to-head comparison of Vyndamax vs Attruby.
Q: Does the body need these proteins that the liver forms?
A: Patients who take silencers are often given vitamin A supplements due to the role the TTR protein plays in transmitting vitamin A throughout the body. That being said, we are still studying and learning the long-term implications of knocking down this protein.
Q: Are you aware which trials allow for treatment at home instead of having to go to the doctor’s office?
A: This will vary depending on the centers conducting the study. You would have to discuss this with the Study Center directly to inquire about this.
Q: If gene silencers stop gene production, how are the proteins replaced?
A: If a gene is silenced, the protein is not replaced, which is why it is recommended to take Vitamin A supplementation with some of the silencer medications. Please follow your provider’s guidance.
Q: Will 124I-evuzamitide PET scanning help identify amyloid involvement in other parts of the body?
A: The primary study is looking at the tracer’s ability to identify cardiac amyloid. There has been data showing that it is able to pick up amyloid in other parts of the body.