Cytokinetics’ R&D efforts in the field of skeletal muscle activation have attracted the interest of Astellas Pharma, which has gained a global licence to the company’s Phase I drug candidate CK-2127107 for non-neuromuscular indications such as sarcopaenia and cachexia. The two companies will also collaborate to identify next-generation skeletal muscle activators for neuromuscular dysfunction, muscular weakness and muscle fatigue indications. The deal will provide Cytokinetics with additional cash to advance the development of its in-house projects, including tirasemtiv, a fast skeletal troponin activator in Phase IIb development for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.