Cytokinetics
Cytokinetics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing potential medicines that impact muscle mechanics to improve the lives of people with debilitating diseases, particularly in cardiovascular and neuromuscular areas.
Company History
Cytokinetics has been operational for over 25 years, having been founded in 1998 in South San Francisco. The company completed its initial public offering in 2004, offering its stocks to the public for the first time. Cytokinetics has grown significantly since its inception and has maintained a focus on muscle biology since 2008. With offices in South San Francisco, CA, and Radnor, PA, the company has made a notable impact in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Research Focus
Cytokinetics focuses its research activities on muscle biology, with an emphasis on modulating proteins in the sarcomere, the fundamental unit of muscle contraction found within muscle cells. The company is developing small molecule muscle activators and inhibitors to address diseases characterized by compromised muscle function, including heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and neuromuscular diseases. Cytokinetics' mission is to develop new medications that may improve outcomes for people living with debilitating diseases of cardiovascular and neuromuscular muscle dysfunction.
Clinical Trials and Pipeline
Cytokinetics' pipeline includes investigational medicines for heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company has conducted more than 100 clinical trials in partnership with hundreds of research institutions worldwide. Notably, Cytokinetics started the SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial, its first Phase 3 clinical trial of a cardiac myosin inhibitor, in 2022. Aficamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, is being evaluated in multiple Phase 3 clinical trials for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The company also completed a Phase 1 study of another cardiac myosin inhibitor in 2018.
Commitment to Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and Cytokinetics is committed to building a specialty cardiology business to bring forward treatment options for heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The company's SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial showed that treatment with aficamten significantly improved exercise capacity compared to a placebo. Cytokinetics received Breakthrough Therapy Designation for aficamten for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the U.S. FDA and the National Medical Products Administration in China.
Educational and Community Initiatives
Cytokinetics' postdoctoral program is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists poised to enter the biotech and academic research community. Their internship program offers students and recent graduates the ability to engage with other professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and build a foundation for a career in the biopharmaceutical industry. The company’s corporate responsibility framework includes patient advocacy, community engagement, and various grants and giving efforts, all aimed at supporting a more sustainable world.