European Enrollment Begins in Pivotal Phase 3 Trial of Novel Combination Medicine Developed by Cogentus Pharm...( Worldwide COGENT-1 Study of CGT-2168...),Health

Worldwide COGENT-1 Study of CGT-2168 Expands to Europe; Focus on Reducing

Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Antiplatelet Therapy

MENLO PARK, Calif., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Cogentus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the first patient has been enrolled in Europe in the company's pivotal Phase 3 study of its novel combination medicine CGT-2168. The patient entered the COGENT-1 study at the Zadebie cardiology clinic in Skierniewice, Poland.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071112/COGENTUSLOGO)

The study, which began in North America in January, is evaluating the antiplatelet medicine CGT-2168, a combination of clopidogrel (currently marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi-Aventis as Plavix(R)) and a gastroprotectant (omeprazole) in a single pill. Developed by Cogentus, CGT-2168 is designed to provide cardiovascular benefits while reducing potentially serious gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with dual antiplatelet therapy.

Antiplatelet therapy is an integral part of treating patients with acute coronary syndrome and has been shown to be effective in preventing major cardiovascular events. However, the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin is associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, which in some cases requires hospitalization and can even result in death.

"Millions of cardiac patients in Europe have benefited from antiplatelet therapy," said Gilles Montalescot, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Cardiology at the Institut de Cardiologie, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital in Paris. "It is important that our patients have access to innovative new treatment options that can enhance compliance with treatment and provide positive outcomes. We look forward to being part of the COGENT program."

Among the estimated 4,000 patients worldwide who will participate in the study, approximately half will receiv
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