NovaCardia, Inc. Announces Positive Phase 2 Results For KW-3902

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- NovaCardia, Inc. today announced results from its Phase 2 program for KW-3902, a proprietary adenosine A1 receptor antagonist in development for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). The company reported that it met its primary endpoints in a series of Phase 2 trials designed principally to evaluate the effect of KW-3902 on fluid elimination and renal function in heart failure patients with renal impairment undergoing diuresis.

Among NovaCardia's key findings were clinically significant improvements in fluid elimination in patient treatment groups that were administered KW- 3902 intravenously in combination with loop or other diuretics. Effective fluid elimination is an important component of successful CHF treatment. NovaCardia also observed notable improvements in renal function in select patient groups that received KW-3902 as part of their therapy. Deterioration of renal function occurs frequently in CHF patients and is predictive of increased mortality and length of hospital stay.

Dr Barry Massie, Professor of Medicine at UCSF, Chief of Cardiology at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, and a clinical investigator for one of the KW-3902 studies, commented on the results. "Renal function is a strong predictor of outcomes for CHF patients. Preserving renal function in heart failure patients has historically been a challenge for clinicians, so a drug that could provide more effective diuresis and preserve renal function would be a valuable addition to the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure, especially in patients with associated renal impairment."

NovaCardia is developing both intravenous and oral formulations of KW-3902 and intends to initiate Phase 3 studies this year.

About Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a serious and life-threatening condition that develops when the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently and fluid accumulates in the lungs, abdominal organs (especially the liver), and peripheral tissues. According to the American Heart Association, approximately five million people in the U.S. are living with CHF, leading to one million hospitalizations per year. With 550,000 new cases reported each year, CHF is the only major cardiovascular disease with increasing incidence, prevalence, and mortality. Current CHF therapies have numerous limitations and side effects, particularly in patients with renal dysfunction.

About NovaCardia

NovaCardia is a product-focused pharmaceutical company with significant capabilities and experience in cardiovascular drug development. The company is committed to improving the quality of care for patients with cardiovascular disease by developing and commercializing a portfolio of novel, clinical stage drug candidates. For more information, visit http://www.novacardia.com .

NovaCardia, Inc.

CONTACT: Randall E. Woods, President and Chief Executive Officer ofNovaCardia, Inc., +1-858-509-0455

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