Cytokinetics Presents Update on BENEFIT-ALS at International Symposium on ALS/MND

Cytokinetics

announced today that a platform presentation of data from BENEFIT-ALS (Blinded Evaluation of Neuromuscular Effects and Functional Improvement with Tirasemtiv in ALS) was given at the 24th International Symposium on ALS/MND on December 7, 2013 in Milan, Italy.  The clinical trial design was explained and interim, double-blind, aggregate data on patient enrollment, baseline demographics, dose escalation, and tolerability were presented.  BENEFIT-ALS is evaluating tirasemtiv, a novel mechanism skeletal muscle activator, as a potential treatment for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Presentation at the 24th International Symposium of ALS/MND A presentation titled, "The Effect of Tirasemtiv on Functional Status in Patients with ALS" was given by Jeremy M. Shefner, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Neurology at the Upstate Medical University, State University of New York and Lead Investigator for BENEFIT-ALS.  Dr. Shefner provided an update on BENEFIT-ALS and shared interim, double-blind, aggregate data (i.e., data from the two treatment groups, tirasemtiv versus placebo, were not separated) from the ongoing clinical