The company will be developing compounds that target inflammation in the blood vessel wall as an innovative approach to the treatment of heart disease.
The combined company's lead product candidate will be VIA-2291, a small-molecule drug that targets inflammation in the blood vessel wall, believed to be a key disease process in atherosclerosis.
Via filed an investigational new drug application with the FDA in the first quarter of 2006. Via is currently conducting two phase II trials of VIA-2291 for treating vascular inflammation in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and patients at risk for recurrent cardiovascular events following acute coronary syndrome.
“We are very pleased to combine with Corautus and view this as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the growth of Via as an innovative and dynamic biopharmaceutical development company. The proposed transaction will strengthen our financial position,” said Lawrence Cohen, CEO of Via.