Cytokinetics Announces Non-Clinical Data Relating to CK-2017357 to Be Presented at the 2009 Experimental Biology Conference
In January 2009, Cytokinetics announced that it planned to submit an investigation new drug application (IND) with the FDA in order to initiate a Phase I clinical trial of CK-2017357 in healthy volunteers this year. This compound had been selected for development in April 2008 and is the lead potential drug candidate which has arisen from the company's skeletal muscle contractility program. The company also announced that it has recently designated a second skeletal muscle activator from this research program for development. CK-2017357 and the backup skeletal muscle activator are structurally distinct small molecule activators of the fast skeletal muscle troponin complex. Activation of the troponin complex by each of these compounds increases its sensitivity to calcium subsequently leading to an increase in skeletal muscle contractility. This mechanism of action has demonstrated encouraging pharmacological activity in preclinical models that may relate to the potential treatment of diseases associated with aging, muscle wasting, and neuromuscular dysfunction.
Poster Presentation at 2009 Experimental Biology Conference:
Abstract #3545: The Fast Skeletal Troponin Activator, CK-2017357, Increases Skeletal Muscle Force in-vitro and in-situ. (Poster displayed on Sunday, April 19, 2009, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Central Time, Exhibit Hall ABC, Session Title: Skeletal Muscle Physiology Session, Poster Board Number D116. The poster is scheduled to be moderated from 12:45 PM - 3:00 PM, Central Time by Alan Russell, Ph.D., Cytokinetics, South San Francisco, CA.)
About Cytokinetics
Cytokinetics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics that modulate muscle function for the potential treatment of serious diseases and medical conditions. Cytokinetics' cardiac muscle contractility program is focused on cardiac muscle myosin, a motor protein essential to cardiac muscle contraction. Cytokinetics' lead compound from this program, CK-1827452, a novel small molecule cardiac muscle myosin activator, is in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of heart failure. Amgen Inc. has obtained an option for an exclusive license to develop and commercialize CK-1827452, subject to Cytokinetics' development and commercialization participation rights. In April 2008, Cytokinetics announced the selection of a potential drug candidate, CK-2017357, directed towards skeletal muscle contractility which may be developed as a potential treatment for diseases and medical conditions associated with skeletal muscle weakness. In January 2009, Cytokinetics announced the selection of a potential drug candidate directed towards smooth muscle contractility which may be developed as a potential treatment for diseases associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension and bronchoconstriction.
Cytokinetics' cancer program is focused on mitotic kinesins, a family of motor proteins essential to cell division. Cytokinetics is developing two drug candidates that have arisen from this program, ispinesib and SB-743921, each an inhibitor of kinesin spindle protein. In addition, Cytokinetics and GlaxoSmithKline are conducting research and development activities focused on GSK-923295, an inhibitor of centromere-associated protein E.
All of these drug candidates and potential drug candidates have arisen from Cytokinetics' research activities and are directed towards the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a complex biological infrastructure that plays a fundamental role within every human cell. Additional information about Cytokinetics can be obtained at www.cytokinetics.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Cytokinetics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Act's safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the planned presentations at the 2009 Experimental Biology Conference; the potential benefits of Cytokinetics' drug candidates and potential drug candidates, including its skeletal muscle activators; and the planned submission of an IND and initiation of a Phase I clinical trial for CK-2017357. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, potential difficulties or delays in the development, testing, regulatory approval, production and marketing of Cytokinetics' drug candidates and potential drug candidates that could slow or prevent clinical development, product approval or market acceptance, including risks that current and past results of clinical trials or preclinical studies may not be indicative of future clinical trials results and that Cytokinetics' drug candidates and potential drug candidates may have unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy. For further information regarding these and other risks related to Cytokinetics' business, investors should consult Cytokinetics' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Christopher S. Keenan
Director, Investor & Media Relations
(650) 624-3000
SOURCE: Cytokinetics, Inc.