Cytokinetics Announces Non-Clinical Data Relating to Its Smooth Muscle Contractility Program to Be Presented at the American Society of Hypertension 24th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition
In January 2009, Cytokinetics announced the selection of a small molecule inhibitor of smooth muscle myosin for development. Cytokinetics' smooth muscle research program is directed to smooth muscle myosin, the motor protein responsible for the contraction of the smooth muscle cells that surround airways in the lungs and the blood vessels that control blood pressure. By inhibiting the function of the myosin motor central to the contraction of smooth muscle, this potent small molecule directly leads to the relaxation of contracted smooth muscle. This development compound has demonstrated encouraging pharmacological activity in preclinical models that may relate to its uses for the potential treatment of diseases such as systemic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This novel mechanism potential drug candidate is expected to enter investigational new drug application (IND)-enabling studies in 2009.
Poster Presentations at the American Society of Hypertension 24th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition
The following abstract is scheduled to be presented at the American Society of Hypertension 24th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition:
Abstract #421ASH09: "A Direct Inhibitor of Smooth Muscle Myosin as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Systemic Hypertension." The poster presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM in Golden Gate Hall, San Francisco Marriott (Category: Antihypertensive Drugs and Pharmacology, New Publication Number: P-51).
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 mid-2009, Cytokinetics plans to initiate a Phase I clinical trial of CK-2017357, a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, in healthy volunteers in the United States. CK-2017357 is being developed as a potential treatment for diseases and medical conditions associated with aging, muscle wasting, and neuromuscular dysfunction. 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 (CENP-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 planned presentation, the planned initiation of clinical trials and the properties and potential benefits of Cytokinetics' drug candidates and potential drug candidates. 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 and production of Cytokinetics' drug candidates and potential drug candidates that could slow or prevent clinical development or product approval, 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.
Contacts:
Christopher S. Keenan
Director, Investor Relations
(650) 624-3000
SOURCE: Cytokinetics, Inc.