Cytokinetics Begins Phase 2 Study of Therapy for COPD Patients

San Francisco-based biopharma Cytokinetics initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the effect of CK-107 on physical function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

CK-2127107 (CK-107) is a novel fast skeletal muscle troponin activator under development as a potential therapy for COPD, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and other conditions.

It is able to slow the rate of calcium release from the regulatory troponin complex of skeletal muscle fibers, ultimately leading to an increase in the skeletal muscles’ ability to contract. The drug has demonstrated pharmacological activity, and may lead to new therapeutic options for diseases associated with muscle weakness and fatigue, such as COPD and other debilitating diseases.

The clinical trial will be conducted in a partnership between Cytokinetics and Astellas.

“Patients with COPD suffer from significant exercise intolerance due to metabolic abnormalities that produce weakness in limb muscles, as well as an associated switch from slow to fast muscle fiber predominance,” said Fady I. Malik, Cytokinetics’ executive vice president and head of Research and Development, according to a press release.

“Given CK-107’s selectivity for fast skeletal muscle fibers, we are enthusiastic about exploring this novel therapeutic strategy in this patient population.”

The new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical trial will assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of CK-107 in 40 patients with COPD in the U.S.

The trial will also evaluate the effect of the drug on exercise tolerance compared to a placebo, and also the resting spirometry, cardiopulmonary, and neuromuscular effects of the therapy. More information about this clinical trial can be found by going to this link. The study is not yet recruiting participants.

COPD is a group of progressive, debilitating respiratory conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, characterized by difficulty breathing, lung airflow limitations, cough, and other symptoms. COPD is often associated with a history of cigarette smoking, and is the primary contributor to mortality caused by chronic lower respiratory diseases, being the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Cytokinetics is also partnering with Astellas in another Phase 2 clinical trial assessing CK-107 in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with SMA.