Cytokinetics announces initiation of Phase 1 study of CK-089

Cytokinetics (CYTK) announced that the first participants have been dosed in a Phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-part, single and multiple ascending dose clinical study of CK-4015089, CK-089, in healthy human participants. CK-089 is a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, FSTA, with potential therapeutic application to a specific type of muscular dystrophy and other conditions of impaired muscle function. “We are pleased to begin clinical development of CK-089, a promising fast skeletal muscle troponin activator arising from our research in neuromuscular diseases,” said Stuart Kupfer, M.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer. “In the pre-clinical setting, CK-089 increased muscle force and function in animal models of a neuromuscular disease characterized by muscle weakness, atrophy and fatigue, suggesting it may have therapeutic application to a specific type of muscular dystrophy but also other conditions of impaired muscle function. While our specialty cardiology franchise remains our top priority, CK-089 represents a unique opportunity to leverage our expertise in muscle biology to potentially make a difference for patients living with neuromuscular diseases of impaired muscle function.”