Via Scoop.it – ALS Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Cytokinetics, Incorporated announced today the publication of preclinical research regarding the activation of the troponin complex of fast skeletal muscle by its drug candidate CK-2017357 and the potential therapeutic role that this novel mechanism may play for patients with neuromuscular disorders. This publication in the March 2012 issue of the journal Nature Medicine reveals the mechanism of action for CK-2017357 and the scientific rationale for directly modulating fast skeletal muscle contractility as an innovative therapeutic strategy for improving physical activity in diseases in which neuromuscular function is compromised. “We are honored to have Cytokinetics’ novel scientific research into direct modulators of the skeletal muscle contractile apparatus published in this prestigious journal,” stated Fady I. Malik, MD, PhD, FACC, Cytokinetics’ Vice President of Biology and Therapeutics and senior author of this report. “This publication summarizes pioneering work performed by our dedicated research team that has supported the progression of CK-2017357 into Phase II clinical development for the potential treatment of patients with neuromuscular diseases.” The publication, titled “Activation of Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin as a Potential Therapeutic Approach for Treating Neuromuscular Diseases,” discusses the potential clinical role for therapies that directly activate troponin in fast skeletal muscle. CK-2017357 is currently the subject of a Phase II clinical development program and has been granted orphan-drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the potential treatment of ALS, a debilitating disease of neuromuscular impairment.
Via www.cytokinetics.com
ALS Research News 