Poland’s program B.162 has significantly improved care for patients with rare heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transthyretin amyloidosis over the past two years.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment Advances
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, once a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in Poland, now has modern treatment options available through the B.162 program, implemented two years ago.
A press conference highlighted the challenges of diagnosing and treating these rare conditions, as well as the importance of collaboration between physicians and the coordinating team for cardiomyopathy treatment.
Program B.162: A Milestone in Patient Care
Experts and patient representatives at a conference summarizing the two-year activity of the cardiomyopathy treatment coordinating team hailed program B.162 as a major success. The program reached a milestone in March 2026 with the 1,000th patient application for access to modern treatment.
Clinicians and patient organizations consider the program a landmark achievement in care for those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Patient Selection Criteria and Verification
Patient inclusion criteria are clearly defined and based on evidence-based medicine. The coordinating team assesses whether patients meet these criteria, with approximately 15% of applications from patients with ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy and 20% from those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction being initially rejected, according to Prof. Piotr Podolec.
Improved Diagnosis and Treatment Awareness
Increased awareness and knowledge within the medical community are reflected in the changing applications received under program B.162. Clear educational materials and echocardiography training are helping cardiologists more accurately diagnose patients, leading to more justified treatment requests.
Fewer applications are being rejected due to incorrectly performed echocardiograms or the omission of medications that could exacerbate outflow obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, notes Prof. Zofia Oko-Sarnowska.
A New Era in Cardiology: Focusing on Life, Not Just Diagnosis
Patients with amyloid or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy previously had limited therapeutic options and poor prognoses—half of untreated amyloidosis patients died within two years.
Transthyretin Amyloidosis: A 21st-Century Cardiology Challenge
Transthyretin amyloidosis is a relatively new disease entity in 21st-century cardiology. Diagnosis was often delayed ten years ago, highlighting the need for increased awareness among cardiologists and general practitioners.
Impact of Program B.162: Restoring Quality of Life
The introduction of program B.162 in September 2024 has dramatically changed the situation. Modern drugs like tafamidis and mavacamten allow patients to improve their quality of life and return to professional and social activities.
“For us, this is not just about comfort, it’s simply about life. We are getting a second life,” said Zbigniew Pawłowski, president of the Amyloidosis Patients Association.
Demonstrated Treatment Effectiveness
Data presented by Prof. Piotr Podolec show that therapies funded under the program lead to statistically significant improvements, including reduced shortness of breath and increased distance in the six-minute walk test.
Treatment is currently provided by a network of expert centers—16 facilities for transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) and 28 for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Challenges Remain: Funding and Early Diagnosis
Despite successes, experts point to systemic needs, particularly regarding funding. Concerns arose late last year when patients were approved for the program but did not receive treatment due to uncertainty about regional NFZ funding.
Prof. Piotr Podolec envisions full implementation of the National Plan for Rare Diseases, the establishment of expert centers, and the introduction of a patient card similar to the oncology DiLO card. Increased funding for genetic testing is also crucial, as 80% of rare diseases have a genetic basis.
Poland as a Leader in Innovative Therapies
Poland has become one of the few countries where many innovative therapies are reimbursed. This achievement must be defended and developed for the benefit of the 2.5 million Poles suffering from rare diseases, concluded Prof. Podolec.
