For over a decade, Cytokinetics, a biopharmaceutical company, has been at the forefront of the fight to discover new potential therapies for people living with ALS. Ultimately, the company was unsuccessful in bringing forward a new medicine for people with ALS, and while some might see this as a story ending in failure, it is anything but. This book shares the company’s journey—inspired and guided by the extraordinary members of the greater ALS community.

That journey began with an innovative idea: What if a therapy could focus on muscle function, not just on neurons? The company used their expertise in the mechanics of muscle to investigate this novel approach, giving rise to the discovery and development of two investigational medicines. Many people with ALS—in a heroic show of grace, strength, and bravery—lent their advice and volunteered to participate in clinical trials. While a cure for ALS and other neuromuscular diseases still remains, sadly, out of reach, the connection between company and community endures.

This book shares the experience and learnings that Cytokinetics gained, and serves as a way to pass the baton to other members of the industry and the scientific community who are dedicated to bringing forward new therapies in the hopes that it will honor all those who participated and shine a light on the path forward.