Cytokinetics eyes China market with licensing deal for cardiovascular therapy

Cytokinetics has partnered with Shanghai-based Ji Xing Pharma, a privately held drug company backed by RTW Investments, to develop CK-274, its next-generation cardiac myosin inhibitor for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathies, genetic conditions that cause the heart to thicken, which can lead to life-threatening complications.

The collaboration with Ji Xing is part of a series of deals Cytokinetics made with RTW-backed companies that could net the California-based biotech up to $450 million in funding and milestone payments on potential future sales of CK-274 in Asia. Ji Xing will be responsible for developing and commercializing the drug for the China and Taiwan markets.

"These deals afford us the opportunity to dial up development of CK-274 in multiple indications and across a wider span of geographies," Cytokinetics president and CEO Robert Blum said in a statement.

The company launched its Phase 2 clinical trial of CK-274, Redwood-HCM, earlier this year and has resumed enrollment of patients after a temporary suspension due to Covid-19.

Cytokinetics' lead cardiovascular drug, omecamtiv mecarbil, is now in Phase 3 trials. It is being co-developed with Amgen and was granted fast track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May.