Cytokinetics, Amgen: Heart Failure Drug Misses Primary Endpoint

   By Michael Calia 
 

Cytokinetics Inc. (CYTK) and Amgen Inc. (AMGN) said results from a mid-stage trial for their experimental drug for acute heart failure failed to meet its primary endpoint.

Shares of Cytokinetics were down 17% to $8.66 in premarket trade. Amgen shares were inactive from a Friday close of $108.94.

The results of the trial, called ATOMIC-AHF, of omecamtiv mecarbil didn't achieve its primary endpoint on shortness of breath response in acute heart failure patients. But the companies noted that the results showed favorable dose and concentration-related trends on shortness of breath response.

"Although ATOMIC-AHF did not achieve its primary efficacy endpoint, we are encouraged by the data from this study," said Sean E. Harper, executive vice president of research and development at Amgen.

Mr. Harper also noted that the data from the phase two trial ATOMIC-AHF, an intravenous method, will be used along with data from the phase two trial of an oral application of omecamtiv mecarbil to determine whether to perform phase three clinical trials with the drug.

The companies in June agreed to expand Amgen's license for omecamtiv mecarbil and related compounds into Japan. Cytokinetics stock jumped then, as indications pointed toward favorable trial results.

Omecamtiv mecarbil is a novel cardiac myosin activator. Cardiac myosin is the cytoskeletal motor protein in the cardiac muscle cell that is directly responsible for converting chemical energy into the mechanical force resulting in cardiac contraction.

Write to Michael Calia at [e-mail]

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