Boulder, Colorado – September 22, 2026 -- Edgewise Therapeutics (Nasdaq: EWTX) disclosed preclinical data showing its lead cardiac drug candidate EDG-7500 improves heart relaxation while preserving systolic function, a mechanism the company says addresses a core driver of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that current therapies do not fully target.
Edgewise screened over 7,000 candidates to isolate a first-in-class RLC modulator
The company's Chief Scientific Officer, Alan Russell, said Edgewise screened more than 7,000 pharmacologically diverse compounds targeting the Regulatory Light Chain (RLC) before selecting molecules exhibiting positive lusitropic properties without compromising systolic performance. "EDG-7500's diastolic-biased profile has the potential to address a central pathologic driver of both symptomatic obstructive and nonobstructive HCM," Russell said.
Early clinical observations align with preclinical pharmacology in symptomatic HCM patients
Edgewise reported that early clinical data in patients with symptomatic HCM are consistent with the preclinical profile demonstrated in the RLC-targeting compound. The company plans to release a peer-reviewed publication detailing EDG-7500's mechanism of action later today, with the article to be posted on its corporate website once published.
Completed Phase 2 CIRRUS-HCM trial showed no clinically significant LVEF changes
Edgewise has completed a 12-week Phase 2 trial, CIRRUS-HCM, evaluating EDG-7500 in HCM patients. The trial was generally safe and well tolerated, with no clinically significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction observed. The company expects to initiate a Phase 3 trial in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Investor webcast scheduled to detail RLC as a heart failure target
Edgewise's management team hosted a live investor webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the RLC as a therapeutic target for symptomatic heart failure, accompanied by a slide presentation. CEO Kevin Koch said the update reflects momentum behind the company's approach to fine-tuning the cardiac cycle in symptomatic heart failure.
HCM affects roughly one in 500 people with limited treatment options
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic heart disease, affecting approximately one in 500 people, and carries elevated risks of heart failure, arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. The condition causes thickening of the left ventricular wall that stiffens over time, impairing the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood. Despite existing treatments, the company points to a persistent unmet need for additional therapeutic approaches in this patient population.