Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM) Clinical Trials

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM, formerly called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or ARVC) is a rare genetic heart disease characterized by fibro-fatty replacement of cardiac myocardium, predominantly affecting the right ventricle though biventricular involvement develops with disease progression. The disease is caused by mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins—cellular adhesion molecules responsible for maintaining tissue integrity—with mutations in DSG2 (desmoglein-2), TMEM43, and DSP being most common. These mutations impair intercellular adhesion, leading to myocyte death and replacement by fibrous and fatty tissue.

The most common symptoms of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy include Palpitations and syncope from arrhythmias, Epsilon waves on ECG, Sudden cardiac death risk, Progressive dyspnea and fatigue, Right ventricular dysfunction on imaging, among others. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy affects approximately 1 in 2,000 to 5,000 people. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Clinical trials are investigating therapies targeting desmosomal dysfunction and preventing progressive cardiac fibrosis in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Approaches include gene therapy to correct defective proteins, anti-inflammatory agents reducing cardiac inflammation, and agents modulating fibrosis pathways.

As of September 2026, Trial Friend's curated drug index does not include an FDA-approved treatment specific to Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. The Treatments section of this page checks FDA drug labels live and lists any approved drug whose label names the condition, and the trials listed below cover the investigational options.

Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy is caused by variants in any of many genes, most often PKP2, DSP, DSG2, DSC2, JUP and TMEM43. A variant is found in about 60% of patients, most often in desmosomal genes with PKP2 the most common; rare recessive forms exist.

It is autosomal dominant, so each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it. The condition affects approximately 1 in 2,000 to 5,000 people. A multigene panel identifies the cause in most families.

Yes. Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy can be caused by variants in many different genes (PKP2, DSP, DSG2, DSC2, JUP and TMEM43 are among the most common), so testing is usually a multigene panel or exome sequencing rather than one gene at a time. A variant is found in about 60% of patients, most often in desmosomal genes with PKP2 the most common; rare recessive forms exist.

It is autosomal dominant, so each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it.

Knowing the exact gene matters: it decides which trials a patient qualifies for and which relatives should be tested. The labs currently offering the test are listed in the Genetic Testing section of this page, pulled live from the NIH Genetic Testing Registry. A genetic counselor can help interpret the result and decide which relatives should be tested.

Eligibility for Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.