Cytokinetics ALS Association Announce Collaboration To Fight ALS

Cytokinetics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics, and The ALS Association recently announced a collaboration in which Cytokinetics will provide Platinum Level Sponsorship and Gold Level Sponsorship of the National Walks to Defeat ALS for ALS Association Golden West Chapter initiatives.

Cytokinetics‘ increased support coincides with ALS Awareness Month, and will help the association’s plans to increase ALS awareness, grow momentum from last year’s ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and honor the perseverance of ALS patients and their caregivers.

“We are pleased to expand our national and regional partnerships with The ALS Association,” stated Robert I. Blum, Cytokinetics’ President and Chief Executive Officer in a recent news release  “Our company remains steadfast in our resolve to serve the ALS community by increasing awareness, education and care services for patients confronting this grievous illness.”

“Cytokinetics’ focus on finding a treatment for ALS is crucial, and we appreciate their persistent dedication to the fight against ALS,” stated Barbara Newhouse, President and Chief Executive Officer of The ALS Association.  “We are grateful that the company has chosen to take its support of our activities to the next level.”

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles (such as those in the arms, legs, and face). The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.

“Cytokinetics’ support for Chapter events, as well as the challenge grant, creates an opportunity to ensure that vital care services are available to everyone who needs them,” said Fred Fisher, MSW, President and CEO, of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter.

The company’s lead drug candidate Tirasemtiv is a skeletal muscle activator able to selectively activate the fast skeletal muscle troponin complex, while increasing its sensitivity to calcium. Results from preclinical and early clinical studies have shown that the drug is able to increase skeletal muscle force and reduce muscle fatigue,

Results from a recent Phase II trial showed that the drug could reduce the decline of slow vital capacity in ALS patients. The company is working on the drug so it can be used as a treatment option for patients with ALS. Cytokinetics is also planning to conduct a Phase III clinical development program of Tirasemtiv to validate the findings from previous trials.