Bayer Secures Exclusive Rights to Aficamten in Japan Through Licensing Agreement with Cytokinetics

Licensing Agreement:
Cytokinetics and Bayer have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the development and commercialization of aficamten in Japan for the treatment of patients with obstructive and non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)[1][2][3].

Financial Terms:
Cytokinetics will receive €70 million in upfront and near-term payments, with potential milestones up to €490 million, and tiered royalties on future sales of aficamten in Japan[1][2][3].

Development Plan:
Bayer will conduct a Phase 3 clinical trial in Japanese patients with obstructive HCM, while Cytokinetics will expand its ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial (ACACIA-HCM) for non-obstructive HCM into Japan[2][3].

Product Overview:
Aficamten is a next-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor designed to reduce myocardial hypercontractility associated with HCM by binding directly to cardiac myosin at a selective allosteric binding site[3].

Collaboration Benefits:
The partnership leverages Cytokinetics' broad development program of aficamten and Bayer's regional capabilities and expertise in cardiovascular disease therapies to benefit patients in Japan[2][3].