By Jason Derry —

Amgen Inc. has announced that it will
collaborate with Cytokinetics to generate
small-molecule therapeutics for treating heart failure.  In particular, the agreement relates to
discovery, development, and commercialization of compounds that activate
cardiac myosin.  Cytokinetics has
identified a particular cardiac myosin activator, CK-1827452, that is currently
its lead drug candidate relating to cardiovascular disease.  As part of the agreement, Amgen has announced
that it has acquired an option on CK-1827452, which has completed two Phase 1
clinical trials.  According to the press
release, Cytokinetics will receive an up-front licensing fee of $42
million.  In addition, Amgen purchased
about $33 million of Cytokinetics stock, giving Amgen about 7% of the company.

Jason Derry, Ph.D., who graduated with honors from DePaul University
College of Law, is a molecular biologist and founding author of Patent Docs.