Cytokinetics, Incorporated, announced the launch of the campaign “On Track with HCM” on January 27, 2026, aiming to raise awareness about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The initiative features Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and her father, Willie McLaughlin, who has lived with the non-obstructive form of HCM for over two decades before undergoing a heart transplant.
Designed in collaboration with the HCM patient advocacy community, “On Track with HCM” seeks to support individuals affected by the disease. The campaign includes a dedicated website and a series of eight videos where Sydney and Willie share their personal experiences with HCM. Their journey highlights the challenges they faced as a family, aiming to inspire others navigating similar paths.
“On track or off, every journey has its hurdles,” said Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. She emphasized the inspiration drawn from her father’s determination to manage his health, mirroring the coaching he provided her in her athletic career. This program aims to motivate others living with HCM to remain engaged and proactive in their health management.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common inherited heart disease, affecting approximately 1 in every 350 individuals in the United States. Many remain undiagnosed, making awareness initiatives like this critically important. Patients with HCM face increased risks of developing complications such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to severe health issues including strokes and heart failure.
Diane Weiser, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Cytokinetics, stated, “Cytokinetics is committed to supporting people living with HCM by addressing not only the clinical aspects of care but the human experience behind the disease.” The campaign aims to empower both patients and their families to pursue healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The videos in the series provide insights not only from the McLaughlin family but also feature Melissa Burroughs, M.D., FACC, Director of the Center of Excellence for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy at the Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care. Dr. Burroughs offers clinical context and strategies for managing the everyday challenges posed by HCM.
Viewers can explore topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to maintaining a balanced social and family life, all while managing the burdens of living with HCM. More details about the campaign and the video series can be found at OnTrackWithHCM.com, where visitors are encouraged to learn more about the McLaughlin family’s experience.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy entails an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow or, in its non-obstructive form, still significantly affect heart function. This condition limits the heart’s pumping ability, leading to reduced exercise capacity and a range of symptoms. While over 300,000 cases have been diagnosed in the U.S., estimates suggest that an additional 400,000 to 800,000 individuals are undiagnosed.
Cytokinetics, based in South San Francisco, has been at the forefront of cardiovascular biopharmaceutical innovation for more than 25 years. Their products, including MYQORZO (aficamten), have been approved for treating symptomatic obstructive HCM, with ongoing studies into non-obstructive cases. The company’s commitment to advancing treatments for cardiac muscle dysfunction reflects its mission to improve the lives of patients affected by these serious conditions.
For further information about Cytokinetics and its initiatives, visit [www.cytokinetics.com](http://www.cytokinetics.com) and follow them on social media platforms including X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
