Cytokinetics to Present Non-Clinical Data From Its Smooth Muscle Contractility Program at the 2009 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association
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. Cytokinetics' smooth myosin inhibitors have demonstrated encouraging pharmacological activity in preclinical models that may relate to uses for the potential treatment of diseases such as systemic hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cytokinetics continues to progress smooth muscle myosin inhibitors in non-clinical development activities.
Oral Presentations
Abstract #5077: "Inhibition of Smooth Muscle Myosin, a Novel Anti-Hypertensive Strategy" is scheduled to be presented in the Oral Abstract Session - Hypertension: Experimental Mechanisms, on Monday, November 16, from 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Eastern Time in Room W307CD of the Orange County Convention Center. The presentation will be made by Fady Malik, MD, PhD, FACC, Vice President, Biology and Therapeutics, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
Abstract #3465: "A Direct Inhibitor of Smooth Muscle Myosin as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension" is scheduled to be presented in the Abstract Digital Dialogue - Translational Targets and Emerging Therapies: Pulmonary Circulation, on Tuesday, November 17, from 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM Eastern Time in Room W103 of the Orange County Convention Center. The presentation will be made by Malarvannan Pannirselvam, M.V.Sc., Ph.D., Scientist, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
Poster Presentation
Abstract #3629 (Poster Board #5015): "Inhibition of Smooth Muscle Myosin, a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Pulmonary Hypertension" is scheduled to be displayed on Tuesday, November 17 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time in the Poster Session - Pulmonary Hypertension: Novel Therapies and Imaging Methods in Poster Hall A2-A3, Core 5. The poster will be presented by David Ho, MD, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
About Cytokinetics
Cytokinetics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics that modulate muscle function for the potential treatment of serious diseases and medical conditions. Cytokinetics' lead drug candidate from its cardiac muscle contractility program, omecamtiv mecarbil (formerly CK-1827452), is in Phase II clinical development for the potential treatment of heart failure. Amgen Inc. holds an exclusive license worldwide (excluding Japan) to develop and commercialize omecamtiv mecarbil and related compounds, subject to Cytokinetics' specified development and commercialization participation rights. Cytokinetics is independently developing CK-2017357, a skeletal muscle activator, as a potential treatment for diseases and conditions associated with aging, muscle wasting or neuromuscular dysfunction. CK-2017357 is in Phase I clinical development. Cytokinetics is also conducting non-clinical development of compounds that inhibit smooth muscle contractility and which may be useful as potential treatments for diseases and conditions such as systemic hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension or bronchoconstriction. In addition, prior Cytokinetics' research generated three anti-cancer drug candidates in Phase I clinical development: ispinesib, SB-743921 and GSK-923295. Cytokinetics is seeking a partner for ispinesib and SB-743921 and GSK-923295 is being developed under Cytokinetics' collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline. 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 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:
Cytokinetics, Incorporated
Christopher S. Keenan (Investors and Media)
Director, Investor Relations
(650) 624-3000
SOURCE: Cytokinetics, Inc.