CA-VIVUS)(VVUS) VIVUS Opens Patient Enrollment for Its Female Sexual
Dysfunction Clinical Study
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--October 26, 2000--VIVUS, Inc. (Nasdaq NM:
VVUS) today announced that they have begun patient enrollment in the
clinical program for the Company's female sexual dysfunction (FSD)
product, ALISTA(TM).
It is estimated that over 40% of women report some form of FSD,
including both organic and psychogenic causes. Researchers have
classified the range of symptoms seen in FSD into four subcategories:
desire, arousal, orgasmic and sexual pain disorders. The VIVUS
clinical program is designed to evaluate ALISTA in women with a
primary complaint of sexual arousal disorder, or FSAD.
"This is an exciting time for VIVUS as we expand our clinical
development program to include products to help women improve their
quality of life," said Leland F. Wilson, President and CEO. "Results
from this initial clinical study of ALISTA will aid in the design of
larger studies that are required for the global regulatory approval
process."
ALISTA is a proprietary formulation of alprostadil applied locally
to the female genitalia. Alprostadil is a synthetic version of a
naturally occurring vasodilating agent found in the body. It is the
same active ingredient found in VIVUS' product, MUSE(R), used to treat
male erectile dysfunction. ALISTA is believed to increase blood flow
to the female genitalia, thereby promoting engorgement and other
natural processes that occur during sexual stimulation.
With both issued and pending patents, the Company believes it has
the dominant patent position for the local delivery of prostaglandins,
such as alprostadil, in the treatment of women with FSD. Local
administration has the potential to deliver high concentrations of
active agent to the site of action while reducing exposure to the rest
of the body, thereby limiting potential side effects.
VIVUS, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the
development of innovative therapies for quality-of-life disorders in
men and women, with a focus on sexual dysfunction. The Company
developed and markets in the U.S. the product MUSE(R) (alprostadil)
and the medical device ACTIS(R), two innovations in the treatment of
erectile dysfunction (ED). VIVUS has partnered with Abbott
Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) for the international marketing and
distribution of its male ED products. The Company also has ongoing R&D
programs in premature ejaculation and future-generation ED products.
Note to editors and investors: Additional written materials,
recent releases and Company information are available through a
variety of sources, including the VIVUS home page (www.vivus.com) and
the VIVUS Fax-On-Demand Service (1-888-329-5719).
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties regarding VIVUS Inc.'s operations and future
results. Please see the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission including, without limitation, the Company's Form
10-Ks and Form 10-Qs, which identify specific factors that may cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those described in
the forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: VIVUS, Inc.
Barbara Clark
(650) 934-5200
ir@vivus.com
www.vivus.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates, Inc.
Investor Contacts:
Bruce Voss (bruce@lhai.com)
Bonnie Feldman (bonnie@lhai.com)
(310) 575-4848
Media Contact
Pamela Rigler (pamela@lhai.com)
(212) 838-3777
www.lhai.com
FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON VIVUS, SEE THE VIVUS INVESTOR SITE. GET THE LATEST FACTS, OPINIONS, AND COMPETITIVE INFORMATION YOU NEED. vivusinvestor.net |
