Cytokinetics, Incorporated’s (CYTK) recently announced that data from its phase II study on its amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) candidate, tirasemtiv, was published in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration journal.
Last month, Cytokinetics provided an update on BENEFIT-ALS (Blinded Evaluation of Neuromuscular Effects and Functional Improvement with Tirasemtiv in ALS).
The company had reported a programming error in the multinational, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study which is evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of tirasemtiv.
Cytokinetics’ data management vendor reported that due to a programming error in the electronic data capture system controlling study drug assignment, 58 patients received placebo instead of tirasemtiv at a certain study visit.
The company said that no incorrect treatment was conducted on the patients in the placebo arm.
Cytokinetics also conducted an ad hoc meeting of the study’s Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) to determine determine that the safety of the 58 patients affected by the error had not been impacted. The DSMB reviewed the safety data and reported that there were no concerns regarding patient safety.
Cytokinetics was also in the news for its collaboration with Astellas Pharma, Inc. (ALPMY) for the research, development and commercialization of skeletal muscle activators.
The companies will focus on identifying new treatments for diseases and medical conditions related to muscle weakness. This collaboration will combine Cytokinetics’ expertise in the discovery and mechanistic biology of small molecule activators of skeletal muscle contractility with Astellas’ capabilities in discovery, development, and commercialization.
Cytokinetics currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). At present, companies like Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) and Jazz Pharmaceuticals Public Limited Company (JAZZ) also look well-positioned with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), respectively.
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