December 04, 2008 16:01 ET

CV Therapeutics Reports Option Grants Under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350

PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - December 4, 2008) - CV Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVTX) announced today that, in accordance with Nasdaq marketplace rule 4350, the Company issued new inducement stock options to 35 non-executive officers due to additional hiring, primarily in connection with its commercialization efforts in the United States.

The inducement stock options cover an aggregate 84,400 shares of common stock and are classified as non-qualified stock options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the grant date. The options have a 10 year term and vest over four years as follows: 20 percent of these options will vest on the date one year from the optionee's hire date, 20 percent of the options will vest in monthly increments during each of the second and third years, and 40 percent of the options will vest in monthly increments during the fourth year (in all cases subject to the terms and conditions of CV Therapeutics 2004 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan).

About CV Therapeutics

CV Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on applying molecular cardiology to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel, small molecule drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. CV Therapeutics Ltd. is the company's European subsidiary based in the United Kingdom.

CV Therapeutics' approved products in the United States include Ranexa® (ranolazine extended-release tablets), indicated for the treatment of chronic angina, and Lexiscan® (regadenoson) injection for use as a pharmacologic stress agent in radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging in patients unable to undergo adequate exercise stress. Ranexa® (ranolazine prolonged-release tablets) is approved for use in the European Union as add-on therapy for the symptomatic treatment of patients with stable angina pectoris who are inadequately controlled or intolerant to first-line anti anginal therapies. CV Therapeutics also has other clinical and preclinical drug development candidates and programs.

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. CV Therapeutics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.