Cytokinetics, Inc. Announces Clinical and Non-Clinical Data Relating to SB-743921, Ispinesib and GSK-923295 to Be Presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 14, 2009) -

Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ: CYTK) announced today that three abstracts summarizing clinical and non-clinical data are scheduled to be presented as poster presentations at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to be held from May 29 - June 2, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. One poster presentation summarizes data from a Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating SB-743921, a novel, small molecule inhibitor of kinesin spindle protein (KSP) in patients with Non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphoma. A second poster presentation relates to a Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating ispinesib, a second, chemically distinct inhibitor of KSP in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The third poster presentation will highlight non-clinical data relating to GSK-923295, a novel inhibitor of centrosome-associated protein E (CENP-E).

Poster Presentations at ASCO:

Abstract #8578: “A Phase I/II Trial of Kinesin Spindle Protein (KSP) Inhibitor SB-743921 Dosed q14d Without and With Prophylactic G-CSF in Non-Hodgkin (NHL) or Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)” is scheduled to be on display in the General Poster Session titled “Lymphoma and Plasma Cell Disorders” on Saturday, May 30, 2009, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern Time in West Hall C at poster board #S5.

Abstract #1077: “A Phase I/II Trial of Ispinesib, a Kinesin Spindle Protein (KSP) Inhibitor, Dosed q14d in Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer Previously Untreated with Chemotherapy for Metastatic Disease or Recurrence” is scheduled to be on display in the General Poster Session titled “Breast Cancer-Metastatic” on Monday, June 1, 2009 from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time in West Hall C at poster board #L6.

Moderated Poster Discussion at ASCO:

Abstract #10015: “Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program (PPTP) Testing of the CENP-E Inhibitor: GSK-923295A” is scheduled to be on display in the Poster Discussion Session titled “Pediatric Cancer” on Monday, June 1, 2009 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern Time in West Hall C at poster board #R1. The poster will be moderated from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM by Malcolm A. Smith, MD, PHD, Associate Branch Chief for Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.

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. Cytokinetics’ smooth muscle myosin inhibitors have arisen from research focused towards potential treatments for diseases and conditions, such as systemic hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension or bronchoconstriction.

Cytokinetics’ cancer development programs are 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 presentations, 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.