Patients Are Our North Star
Living Our Core Value
Our Philosophy
At Cytokinetics, patients, caregivers and patient advocacy organizations are our trusted partners and strategic advisors. Not only do they guide our approach to patient advocacy, they also inform our business decisions at every step. This close collaboration with the patient community inspires us, motivates us and drives us to deliver on our promise of improving patients’ lives.
Our Guiding Principles
We listen first to truly understand the burden of illness on patients and their families. Everything we do is centered on this deep understanding of the patient experience.
We prioritize patient guided decision-making by integrating patient and caregiver voices into our everyday decisions and operations.
We lead with humility by acknowledging that we don't have all the answers. The patient community helps us see our blind spots, so we can adapt how we work for better outcomes.
We embody a culture of compassion and respect by creating safe spaces for patients and caregivers to share their lived experiences of the diseases we focus on.
We encourage open communication. It's a two-way street. We compliantly bring patients along on our company's journey, and we welcome honest feedback from the patient community.
Progress with Purpose: Patient Centricity at Cytokinetics
At this transformative moment in our journey, we are pausing to ask ourselves a critical question: how are we showing up for patients, today and tomorrow? This white paper is both a reflection and a recommitment—an honest snapshot of where we are, and where we must go.
Download and read our new white paper to learn more
Patient Voices
Behind HCM:
The Jillian Thorne Story
Behind Heart Failure:
The John Crofut Story
Our Commitment to Patients
HCM Champions
In 2025, we launched the HCM Champions program to provide a more intentional, inclusive, and emotionally resonant way for employees to connect with people living with HCM. Becoming a Champion means being part of an ongoing conversation—and a movement—to ensure every patient feels seen, heard and understood. Learn more and connect with us.
Polaris 2024: HCM in Focus
In December 2024, Cytokinetics employees, patients, caregivers and patient advocacy organization leaders came together for our inaugural patient day, Polaris 2024: HCM in Focus. Throughout this day of connection and collaboration, we listened, gained perspective and gathered invaluable insights that will guide us as we strive to create a brighter future for the HCM community.
“It was empowering to witness Cytokinetics employees actively elevating the voices of HCM patients and advocacy organizations,” said an event participant.
ENACT: Empower, Navigate, Activate for Clinical Trials
Two of our partners, The Mended Hearts, Inc. and WomenHeart, designed ENACT: Empower, Navigate, Activate for Clinical Trials to support patients at every step of the clinical trials process—from the time they start thinking about participating in a trial to after the trial is complete. Cytokinetics is a proud sponsor of this vital program that puts tools and information right into the hands of patients. Learn more about ENACT.
Partner Perspectives
“HCMA and Cytokinetics have the shared goal to end suffering and improve the lives of those living with heart muscle disorders, specifically hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Over the past 8 years, Cytokinetics has been a strong partner willing to include the patient’s voice at every step of discovery while engaging the most knowledgeable bench and clinical scientific minds worldwide. HCMA is proud of the work we have achieved through our collaborations.”
– Lisa Salberg, HCMA Founder and CEO
Think Cardiomyopathy
Through our Communications Grant Program, we provided funding to help launch the Global Heart Hub’s (GHH) global cardiomyopathy awareness campaign, Think Cardiomyopathy. This initiative focuses on the impact of cardiomyopathy and the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms. The message continues to be shared across GHH’s extensive network of member organizations. Explore the Think Cardiomyopathy campaign.