Cytokinetics Inc. Files Lawsuit Seeking Judgment on '697 Patent

What Happened

• On August 13, 2026, Cytokinetics, Inc. filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Bristol‑Myers Squibb Company and MyoKardia, Inc. The company asked the court for a declaratory judgment that it does not infringe U.S. Patent No. 12,616,697 (the “’697 patent”) and that the patent’s claims are invalid. Cytokinetics named its product MYQORZO® (aficamten) in the filing and demanded a jury trial.

Key Details

• Filing date: August 13, 2026 (complaint filed in District of Delaware).
• Defendants: Bristol‑Myers Squibb Company and MyoKardia, Inc.
• Patent at issue: U.S. Patent No. 12,616,697 (the “’697 patent”).
• Remedies sought: declaratory judgments of non‑infringement and invalidity; preliminary and permanent injunction barring the defendants (and those acting with them) from threatening or initiating infringement claims against Cytokinetics or users/customers/distributors of MYQORZO; award of costs; a finding the case is “exceptional” and an award of attorneys’ fees (including under 35 U.S.C. § 285); jury trial demand.

Why It Matters

• The suit is an effort by Cytokinetics to remove a potential patent legal cloud over its MYQORZO (aficamten) product. Litigation outcomes are uncertain and could affect the company’s legal costs and business relationships. Cytokinetics said it will provide updates in SEC filings as required but does not otherwise intend to comment on the matter.