Cytokinetics says heart disease drug more effective than standard-of-care, shares jump

Shares of drug developer Cytokinetics CYTK.O rise as much as 40.4% to an over six-month high of $49.60

Stock set for its best day in nearly two years if gains hold

On Saturday, co said its experimental drug, aficamten, outperformed standard-of-care treatment, metoprolol, in improving heart function and symptoms in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients

Over half of aficamten-treated patients showed better physical ability and quality of life, co said

Co plans to seek expanded approval next year, with an FDA decision expected by December

Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition where thickened heart muscle blocks blood flow, and can lead to cardiac arrest

Including session's move, stock up 2.8% YTD