Cytokinetics Partners with Sanofi to Expand Aficamten Access

Cytokinetics Partners with Sanofi for Aficamten Development

Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ: CYTK) is thrilled to announce that Sanofi has acquired exclusive rights to develop and commercialize aficamten, a groundbreaking treatment for obstructive and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from Corxel Pharmaceuticals. This partnership marks a significant milestone in providing effective options for patients suffering from this challenging condition.

The Journey of Aficamten

Aficamten was initially secured by Corxel to target the expansive Greater China market. Back in 2020, Corxel, previously known as Ji Xing, gained this right from Cytokinetics in line with their strategic global registration pathways. Aficamten has recently achieved Breakthrough Therapy Designation aimed at treating symptomatic obstructive HCM, a designation granted by China’s National Medical Products Administration. This was a vital step leading to the acceptance of a New Drug Application for priority review for aficamten in the region.

Deal Highlights and Financial Aspects

Under the new agreement, Sanofi will take over Corxel’s rights to aficamten in Greater China for an undisclosed fee. As part of the agreement, Cytokinetics stands to gain up to $150 million in potential development and commercial milestones along with royalties ranging in the low-to-high teens on future sales of the medication. Furthermore, there are additional undisclosed incentives tied to this strategic partnership.

Expert Insights

“We have established a fruitful collaboration with Corxel and deeply appreciate their efforts to progress aficamten,” expressed Robert I. Blum, Cytokinetics’ President and CEO. He further emphasized the excitement surrounding the collaboration with Sanofi, stating that their expertise in cardiovascular medicine would enhance the distribution of aficamten, making it available to more patients across Greater China.

Understanding Aficamten

Aficamten is a promising investigational cardiac myosin inhibitor that was discovered through extensive research and development. This agent selectively targets cardiac myosin, aiming to reduce the active actin-myosin cross-bridges during cardiac cycles, which is particularly beneficial for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The focus of aficamten is to help reduce the myocardial hypercontractility characteristic of this disease.

Clinical Studies and Efficacy

The development trajectory of aficamten includes several pivotal trials aimed at assessing its efficacy in enhancing exercise capacity and alleviating symptoms in HCM sufferers. The SEQUOIA-HCM clinical trial, which has yielded positive results, is at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrating aficamten's potential effectiveness in managing symptomatic obstructive HCM.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Explained

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a serious condition where the heart muscle thickens abnormally, limiting its ability to pump blood effectively. This often leads to significant health issues, including severe shortness of breath during exertion, chest pain, and heightened risks of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac deaths, particularly in younger populations. With an estimated 280,000 diagnosed cases in the U.S. and hundreds of thousands more undiagnosed, there is a pressing need for effective treatments like aficamten.

A Glimpse at Cytokinetics

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to discovering and developing therapies aimed at improving cardiac muscle performance. Focusing on muscle biology, their ongoing projects encompass not only aficamten but also other innovative drug candidates targeted at heart failure and other muscle-related conditions, including omecamtiv mecarbil, which is designed for patients with heart failure.

Future Prospects for Aficamten and Patients

As Cytokinetics gears up for potential commercialization of aficamten, there is a collective hope that this partnership with Sanofi will facilitate broader access to this and possibly other treatments, significantly enhancing life quality for patients with HCM across Greater China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is aficamten?

Aficamten is a cardiac myosin inhibitor that aims to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by reducing cardiac muscle contractions.

Who is partnering with Cytokinetics for aficamten?

Sanofi has partnered with Cytokinetics to acquire the rights to develop and commercialize aficamten in Greater China.

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)?

HCM is a condition characterized by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which affects its ability to pump blood.

What are the expected outcomes of aficamten?

Research suggests aficamten may improve exercise capacity and reduce symptoms in patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM.

How does Cytokinetics support heart disease treatment?

Cytokinetics focuses on developing therapies that enhance muscle performance and contractility, offering new solutions for cardiac conditions.

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