VIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Grant of New Patent on Lead Compound VIA-2291

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a biotechnology company focused on the development of compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, today announced the issuance of United States Patent No. 7,495,024 entitled "Phenylalkyl N-Hydroxyureas for Combating Atherosclerotic Plaque", covering the use of VIA's lead compound, VIA-2291, for the treatment of atherosclerosis. This patent is also pending in other major markets worldwide.

VIA-2291, which is currently in Phase II development for the treatment of cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis, targets inflammation in the blood vessel wall, an underlying cause of atherosclerosis. A growing body of scientific evidence and data from the VIA-2291 clinical program points to reduction of inflammation and inflammatory processes in the vessel wall as a critical step in combating cardiovascular disease and its complications, including heart attack and stroke.

"Our clinical trial results presented at the most recent meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans provides important evidence for VIA-2291's effect on reducing vascular inflammation. This patent is an important step in the commercial development of the compound by providing VIA with exclusivity in this very large and underserved market through 2026," said Lawrence K. Cohen, Ph.D., chief executive officer of VIA Pharmaceuticals. "We are pleased with the issuance of this important patent as it further strengthens and builds on our existing intellectual property protection for our lead clinical compound."

About VIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

VIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. VIA's lead candidate, VIA-2291, targets a significant unmet medical need: reducing inflammation in the blood vessel wall, which is an underlying cause of atherosclerosis and its complications, including heart attack and stroke. In addition, VIA's pipeline of drug candidates includes other compounds to address other underlying causes of cardiovascular disease: high cholesterol, diabetes and inflammation. For more information, visit: http://www.viapharmaceuticals.com.

Forward Looking Statements

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CONTACT: James G. Stewart, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of VIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-415-283-2204

Web site: http://www.viapharmaceuticals.com/