SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 04, 2009) -
Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ:
CYTK) announced today that an abstract summarizing non-clinical data
regarding its smooth muscle contractility program is scheduled to be
presented as a poster presentation at the American Society of Hypertension
24th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition to be held May 6 - May 9,
2009 at the San Francisco Marriott, in San Francisco, California.
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.
