Vasogen granted European patent in chronic heart failure

Vasogen today announced that it has been granted a European patent covering the use of its Celacade technology for the treatment of chronic heart failure, and has completed the registration procedure to bring it fully into force in all the major countries of Europe including the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Sweden. Chronic heart failure is estimated to affect more than five million people in Europe.

"The granting of this key patent is timely as we approach the completion of enrollment in our multi-national pivotal phase III ACCLAIM trial in 2,000 patients with advanced chronic heart failure," remarked David Elsley, President and CEO of Vasogen. "This patent also recognizes the proprietary position of our Celacade technology in the second largest healthcare market in the world and further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the development of a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio."

In 2004, Vasogen was granted the CE Mark for its Celacade technology for the treatment of chronic heart failure, providing regulatory approval for the 25 member countries of the European Union. This approval positions Vasogen to launch its Celacade technology throughout Europe following the successful completion of its ongoing phase III heart failure program.

Chronic heart failure is a devastating condition that affects over 10 million people in North America and Europe. Inflammation is now recognized as an underlying pathology contributing to the development and progression of heart failure. Chronic heart failure, most frequently resulting from coronary artery disease or hypertension, is a debilitating condition in which the heart's ability to function as a pump is impaired. Patients with chronic heart failure experience a continuing decline in their health, resulting in an increased frequency of hospitalization and premature death.