Cara Therapeutics Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent Covering Second Generation Kappa...

Cara Therapeutics Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent Covering Second Generation
Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonists

SHELTON, Conn., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Cara Therapeutics, Inc. announced
today that The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S.
Patent No. 7,402,564 entitled "Synthetic Peptide Amides" under its Accelerated
Examination Program. The application was filed on November 12, 2007 and
covers Cara's second generation, peripherally-selective kappa opioid receptor
agonist compounds. These compounds include CR845, currently completing a
Phase I clinical trial and in development for injectable and oral delivery for
the treatment of acute and chronic pain of visceral, inflammatory and
neuropathic origin, and for the treatment of pruritis (itch), a common
disorder associated with several diseases and conditions.

About CR845
In preclinical studies, CR845 was highly selective for the peripheral kappa
opioid receptor. Animal studies indicate that CR845 is effective in treating
pain of inflammatory, neuropathic and visceral origin and exhibits analgesic
efficacy for up to 18 hours after a single dose. Analgesic activity was seen
after intravenous, subcutaneous, or oral administration. Unlike currently
marketed opioids, CR845 did not inhibit intestinal transit (ileus), impair
breathing or elicit signs of addiction in animal models. Preclinical studies
also indicate that CR845 possesses anti-itch activity. CR845 is currently
completing Phase Ia studies.

About Cara Therapeutics
Cara Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on
developing novel, superior therapeutics to treat pain and inflammation
associated with diverse medical conditions. Cara's current pipeline includes
near-term clinical drug candidates within multiple classes of
peripherally-acting analgesics. Cara also plans to develop entirely novel
classes of analgesics that emerge from its proprietary GPCR DimerScreenTM
technology.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that
involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements
include statements relating to the therapeutic applications of Cara compounds
and about Cara's strategy, technologies, pre-clinical and clinical programs,
and ability to identify and develop drugs, as well as other statements that
are not historical facts. Actual events or results may differ materially from
Cara's expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited
to, the timing, success and cost of Cara's research and clinical studies and
Cara's ability to obtain additional financing. These forward-looking
statements represent Cara's judgment as of the date of this release. Cara
disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Cara Therapeutics, Inc.

Derek Chalmers, President & CEO of Cara Therapeutics, +1-914-347-4040, Ext.
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