Germany’s Bayer AG (BAYRY, Financial) has entered into a partnership with American biotechnology firm Cytokinetics (CYTK) to develop and commercialize Cytokinetics' hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) therapy, Aficamten, exclusively in Japan. The collaboration grants Bayer rights in Japan while Cytokinetics retains certain development rights. Under the agreement, Cytokinetics will receive an upfront payment of €50 million, with the potential for an additional €90 million based on specific developmental milestones. Furthermore, Cytokinetics could earn up to €490 million from Bayer, contingent upon achieving certain sales targets.
Aficamten, developed by Cytokinetics, is a small molecule cardiac myosin inhibitor (CMI). The drug aims to improve therapeutic indices and pharmacokinetic properties through comprehensive chemical optimization. It works by reducing the number of active myosin cross-bridges per cardiac cycle, thus inhibiting excessive myocardial contraction related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Bayer is under pressure from investors to enhance its pharmaceutical pipeline amidst ongoing debt challenges, weak agricultural markets, and high litigation costs. Consequently, it is pursuing smaller-scale deals to bolster its cardiovascular portfolio. This collaboration with Cytokinetics is part of Bayer's strategy to strengthen its heart-related treatments.
Earlier this year, Bayer acquired exclusive commercialization rights to Acoramidis in Europe from Eidos Therapeutics, BridgeBio International GmbH, and BridgeBio Europe B.V. for up to $310 million. Acoramidis is an oral, potent, highly selective small molecule transthyretin stabilizer used in the treatment of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR CM).
