Cypros Pharmaceutical receives notice of allowance from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its cardio/neuroprotective agent.

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 1995--Cypros Pharmaceutical Corp. (NASDAQ:CYPR) Friday announced it has received a notice of allowance for the issuance of a composition of matter patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the PTO).

The patent, expected to be issued shortly, covers a broad class of novel adenosine metabolism inhibitors being developed as cardioprotective and neuroprotective agents. The company is also currently in the process of filing patents for this class of novel adenosine metabolism inhibitors in Europe and Japan.

Adenosine is a natural byproduct of cellular energy utilization whose levels are increased during and after ischemia (low blood flow) as it occurs in heart attack and stroke victims. During these episodes, adenosine functions as a natural cellular protective agent.

However, adenosine stores are quickly depleted by an active metabolic process, and this limits the natural protective roles of adenosine. The Cypros compounds moderate this metabolic process, thereby extending the cytoprotective benefits of adenosine.

Dr. Paul J. Marangos, president and chief executive officer, stated, "This most recent notice of allowance represents more comprehensive patent coverage than was previously allowed by the PTO and adds to our growing patent estate in cytoprotective drugs.

"Our unique adenosine regulating compounds hold significant promise as cytoprotective drugs since they are derived from agents with known cytoprotective properties. We are currently studying several of the most promising compounds in preclinical models with the goal of selecting a clinical candidate."

Cypros Pharmaceutical is developing small-molecule drugs that protect cells from ischemic injury. The company is pursuing multiple cytoprotective drug development strategies, including clinical programs which augment anaerobic metabolism (CPC-111 and CPC-211), and early-stage research programs in neuronal calcium channel antagonists, glial chloride channel blockers, and adenosine metabolism inhibitors for which it is currently seeking research and development partners.

The company has two lead product candidates, CPC-111 (currently in Phase II trials for patients with decompensating heart failure, and cardiac bypass) and CPC-211 (currently in a Phase II trial in ischemic stroke).

CONTACT: Cypros Pharmaceutical Corp., Carlsbad

David W. Nassif, 619/929-9500

or

Financial Sciences of America

Francesca Daniels, 310/278-4413