Researchers at the University of Auckland have reported in animal studies that a new medication, AF-130, shows promise for improving both heart failure and its related sleep apnea. The findings were published in Nature Communications, marking a potential milestone in cardiovascular and sleep medicine research.
In experiments conducted with rats, AF-130 appeared to enhance the heart’s pumping efficiency while simultaneously lowering the frequency of sleep apnea events. The researchers suggest that these effects may slow the progression of heart failure and help restore healthier heart rhythms. If these results translate to humans, AF-130 could become a valuable tool in treating heart failure that coexists with sleep-disordered breathing.
Sleep apnea involves recurrent collapse or narrowing of the airway walls during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and reduced oxygen levels. This condition is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular problems and has historically faced limited options for reducing overall risk. Current therapies like CPAP can minimize breathing disturbances during sleep but do not directly address the underlying cardiovascular risk. In many patients, untreated sleep apnea contributes to a worsening heart condition, creating a cycle that complicates management and outcomes.
The AF-130 program is moving forward toward broader clinical evaluation. In the near term, the drug is expected to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in a separate indication. Following human clinical trials, researchers anticipate exploring accelerated pathways to repurpose AF-130 for sleep apnea and heart failure, should safety and efficacy be demonstrated consistently across populations.