NO-ENHANCING MEDICINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

NitroMed has initiated several new and novel cardiovascular drug discovery programs based on the therapeutic potential of NO-enhancing drugs in the treatment of diseases associated with Endothelial Dysfunction. Endothelial Dysfunction is recognized as one of the common denominators underlying many cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, pulmonary hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Abnormal function of the endothelium precedes vascular morphological changes in the early stages of cardiovascular disease. NO has many important roles in maintaining the function of normal endothelium. These include vasodilatation, inhibition of platelet adhesion and activation, inhibition of smooth muscle growth, inhibition of leukocyte adhesion and a reduction in chemotactic factor expression. Loss of NO therefore is a primary feature of endothelial dysfunction. Restoration of NO from the endothelium has been clinically demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular risk in many disease states. NitroMed therefore is using its nitric oxide expertise and proprietary patent position to add NO donating capacity to existing classes of drugs which have been shown to have clinical utility in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases where endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role. The following table highlights those classes of nitric oxide-enhancing cardiovascular medicines where we have created, or are seeking to create, intellectual property rights and where we believe we may offer a clinical benefit compared to existing FDA-approved medicines.