Cytokinetics Announces Encouraging Results from CK-2017357 Phase II Clinical Trials

As reported at the 64th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, the Cytokinetics drug CK-2017357 has been shown to be safe and well tolerated at different dosage levels both when used in combination with riluzole or alone.  Currently in Phase II clinical development, the treatment has be granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and orphan medicinal product designation from the European Medicines Agency for the potential treatment of patients with ALS.  In addition, the drug has received “fast track” designation from the FDA.

“These results are encouraging, and we look forward to learning more as the clinical trials progress,” said ALS Association Chief Scientist Lucie Bruijn, Ph.D.  “This is a novel treatment approach and the compound's action is clearly defined.  If successful, this treatment will complement other treatment approaches in trial,” continued Dr. Bruijn.

Cytokinetics plans to continue discussions with regulatory bodies to confirm the appropriate approach to further study CK-2017357 in people with ALS.  The company hopes the program will move forward by the end of 2012.  To read the full announcement from Cytokinetics, visit http://tiny.cc/5boadw.