Investors & Media

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 11, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ: CYTK) announced today that an abstract summarizing non-clinical data regarding its smooth muscle contractility program is scheduled to be presented at the American Thoracic Society's 2010 International Conference which is being held May 14-19, 2010 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

Cytokinetics' smooth muscle contractility 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 controling blood pressure. By inhibiting the function of the myosin motor central to the contraction of smooth muscle, Cytokinetics' potent small molecule compounds directly lead to the relaxation of contracted smooth muscle. Cytokinetics' smooth muscle myosin inhibitors have demonstrated encouraging pharmacological activity in preclinical models that may relate to uses for the potential treatment of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. Cytokinetics continues to conduct non-clinical development of its smooth muscle myosin inhibitors.

Poster Presentation

Abstract #4467 (Poster Board #D2): "The Direct Smooth Muscle Myosin Inhibitor, CK-2018571, Represents a Novel Therapeutic Mechanism for Bronchodilation" is scheduled to be displayed on Tuesday, May 18 from 8:15 AM - 4:00 PM Central Time in the Thematic Poster Session titled "C64 Airway Responsiveness in Clinical and Preclinical Settings" in Area D, Hall G. The poster will be presented by Jessie Z. Jia, Cytokinetics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, from 10:45 AM - 12:30 PM Central 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 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 currently the subject of a Phase IIa clinical trials program and has been granted orphan-drug designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the potential treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 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 or bronchoconstriction. In addition, prior Cytokinetics' research generated three anti-cancer drug candidates that have progressed into clinical development: ispinesib, SB-743921 and GSK-923295. 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.

Contact:
Cytokinetics, Incorporated
Christopher S. Keenan (Investors and Media)
Director, Investor Relations
(650) 624-3000

SOURCE: Cytokinetics, Inc.