Omecamtiv mecarbil

Omecamtiv mecarbil, previously codenamed CK-1827452, is an agent that directly activates myosin, for use in the treatment of heart failure. Omecamtiv mecarbil specifically targets and activates myocardial ATPase and improves energy utilization. This enhances effective myosin cross-bridge formation and duration, while the velocity of contraction remains the same. Omecamtiv mecarbil also increases the rate of phosphate release from myosin, thereby accelerating the rate-determining step of the cross-bridge cycle, which is the transition of the actin-myosin complex from the weakly bound to the strongly bound state. Omecamtiv mecarbil could safely improve cardiac function within tolerated doses. Omecamtiv mecarbil is currently in Phase II clinical trials.