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 michael.calia@wsj.com
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