Ranolazine Shortens QT Interval and Improves Cardiac Relaxation in Study of Patients...

Ranolazine Shortens QT Interval and Improves Cardiac Relaxation in Study of
Patients With Genetic Sodium Channel Disorder
- Clinical evidence for unique Ranexa(R) mechanism of action -

CHICAGO, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CV Therapeutics, Inc.
(Nasdaq: CVTX) announced today that ranolazine significantly (p<0.001)
shortened the QT interval of patients with a hereditary form of long QT
syndrome called LQT3, which is caused by a genetic mutation in the late sodium
channel and can be associated with heart rhythm problems, including sudden
death. Ranolazine also shortened cardiac relaxation time in the study.
The data were presented today at the American College of Cardiology 57th
Annual Scientific Session in Chicago by Arthur Moss, MD, professor of medicine
(cardiology) and director of the heart research follow-up program at the
University of Rochester Medical School.
"Since individuals with LQT3 syndrome have a defect in the specific sodium
channel where ranolazine has its activity, it makes sense that we are seeing
ranolazine shorten the QT interval and improve cardiac relaxation in these
patients," Moss said.
Five patients with LQT3 syndrome were prospectively investigated during an
eight hour intravenous infusion of ranolazine, with ECG and ECHO evaluation
before, during and after ranolazine administration.
In December 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved new
language for the product labeling for Ranexa(R) (ranolazine extended-release
tablets) which describes the ability of ranolazine to inhibit the late sodium
current at therapeutic levels.
Published data on ranolazine's mechanism of action suggests that during
ischemic episodes excess sodium can flow into cardiac cells through sodium
channels. This excess sodium can lead to calcium overload, which in turn can
lead to impaired relaxation of the heart. Late sodium current inhibition has
been shown to improve mechanical and electrical dysfunctions of cardiac cells
under these circumstances.
About CV Therapeutics
CV Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a
biopharmaceutical company focused on applying molecular cardiology to the
discovery, development and commercialization of novel, small molecule drugs
for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
CV Therapeutics' approved product, Ranexa(R) (ranolazine extended-release
tablets), is indicated for the treatment of chronic angina in patients who
have not achieved an adequate response with other antianginal drugs, and
should be used in combination with amlodipine, beta-blockers or nitrates.
CV Therapeutics also has other clinical and preclinical drug development
candidates and programs, including regadenoson, which is being developed for
potential use as a pharmacologic stress agent in myocardial perfusion imaging
studies. Regadenoson has not been determined by any regulatory authorities to
be safe or effective in humans for any use.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this press release, including statements as to research and
development and commercialization of products, are forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially,
including operating losses and fluctuations in operating results; capital
requirements; regulatory review and approval of our products; special protocol
assessment agreement; the conduct and timing of clinical trials;
commercialization of products; market acceptance of products; product
labeling; concentrated customer base; reliance on strategic partnerships and
collaborations; uncertainties in drug development; uncertainties regarding
intellectual property and other risks detailed from time to time in CV
Therapeutics' SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2007. CV Therapeutics disclaims any intent or
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE CV Therapeutics, Inc.

John Bluth, Executive Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations,
CV Therapeutics, Inc., +1-650-384-8850