Cytokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline extend research collaboration

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., June 19 - Cytokinetics, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline have agreed to extend the research term under their strategic alliance for an additional year to continue research focused toward the mitotic kinesin, centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E).

The strategic alliance, begun in June 2001, included a minimum five-year research term, which has generated two drug candidates that inhibit kinesin spindle protein (KSP), ispinesib and SB-743921, and a potential drug candidate, GSK-923295, which targets CENP-E.

Ispinesib and SB-743921 are in clinical trials and GSK- 923295 is in preclinical development, according to a news release.

During the extension of the research term, both companies will perform translational research directed toward CENP-E, a mitotic kinesin directly involved in coupling the mechanics of mitosis with the mitotic checkpoint signaling machinery, regulating cell-cycle transition from metaphase to anaphase.

CENP-E is also essential for prometaphase chromosome movements that contribute to metaphase chromosome alignment, the release said.

These processes are essential to cell proliferation. Preventing cell proliferation by disrupting mitosis is a validated approach to treating patients with cancer.

GlaxoSmithKline is a global pharmaceutical company based in London.

Cytokinetics is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, Calif.

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