Cogentus Pharmaceuticals Completes $62.5 Million Private...( Funding Supports Phase 3...),Health

Funding Supports Phase 3 Program for Lead Product

MENLO PARK, Calif., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Cogentus Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced today that it has completed a private placement financing, raising $62.5 million to support the clinical development of the company's novel antiplatelet therapy CGT-2168.

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The Series C financing was led by the Keffi Group, with participation from Prospect Venture Partners, Ridgeback Capital, Apothecary Capital and Pinnacle Ventures. This represents the third round of equity financing for Cogentus, which is focused on developing novel combination medicines that significantly improve upon current treatment options in major therapeutic categories.

"Our experienced team has worked diligently to advance our lead development candidate, CGT-2168, and to initiate the global phase 3 clinical trial program that will be supported by these funds," said Cogentus President and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Goldsmith, M.D., Ph.D. "Our goal for this program is to benefit patients by providing the next generation of safer antiplatelet medicines."

In addition, Jide Zeitlin, founder of the Keffi Group and former partner and global chief operating officer of investment banking of The Goldman Sachs Group, has been named to the Cogentus Board of Directors. He joins Donald Hayden, Jr., James Tananbaum, M.D., Robert Myers and Dr. Goldsmith on the board. Mr. Zeitlin also serves on the Board of Directors of Affiliated Managers Group, Coach, Inc. and is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amherst College.

"We are very pleased to welcome Jide onto our board," Dr. Goldsmith said. "His extensive experience in health care investment banking and his commercial relationships will add significant value as the company moves forward."

Cogentus has begun e
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