Silvia Priori, M.D., Ph.D. Delivers the William Harvey Lecture on Basic Science

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – [October 2, 2018] – The European Society of Cardiology Congress holds four specialized lectures each year and selects four renowned scientists who are seen by their peers as leading experts in their corresponding fields. The William Harvey Lecture on Basic Science is a noteworthy accolade and recognizes a member of the scientific community specializing in cardiology.

Silvia Priori, M.D., Ph.D. was selected to deliver the William Harvey Lecture on Basic Science this year. On August 26th, Dr. Priori spoke about her inherited arrhythmogenic diseases study and the significant developments it has made in understanding the genetic basis of these types of diseases. With these results, she hopes to provide a foundation for gene therapies to fix the consequences of the flawed genes and bring new treatments to the clinic.

“Receiving the Harvey Lecture Award is really a great feeling and arrived at a time in which the advancements in molecular medicine are reaching the clinics with the promise of a better future for our patients,” said Dr. Priori.

Dr. Priori is a professor of Cardiology in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Pavia, scientific director and director of the Cardiology Division at the Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri and a director of the Molecular Cardiology Laboratories at the Centro National de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III. Dr. Priori has received numerous prestigious honors and awards from scientific societies around the world, including the Distinguished Scientist Award of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Outstanding Research in Pediatric Cardiology award of the American Heart Association. Dr. Priori joined the Cardurion Pharmaceuticals scientific advisory board in September 2018.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Announces Initiation of Phase 1 Study of CRD-733, a PDE-9 Inhibitor in Development for the Treatment of Heart Failure

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – [September 20, 2018] – Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted its Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for CRD-733, a Phosphodiesterase-9 (PDE-9) inhibitor in development to improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. Recent evidence supports that inhibition of PDE-9 has the potential to restore heart-protective mechanisms that are dysfunctional in heart failure, as well as improve heart muscle function and size. A Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of orally administered single and multiple doses of CRD-733 in healthy volunteers was recently initiated.

“The advancement of CRD-733 into the clinic is an important milestone for Cardurion as we move our portfolio’s lead program forward toward treatment of heart failure, the most important unmet need in cardiovascular medicine,” said Daniel Bloomfield, M.D., chief executive officer at Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. “Compelling preclinical evidence supports that CRD-733 can enhance cardiac function in both known forms of heart failure. With limited options at present for those living with heart failure, we are excited about the potential for CRD-733 to have a positive impact on these patients.”

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Astellas to develop and commercialize CRD-733 earlier this year.

About CRD-733

CRD-733 is a Phosphodiesterase-9 enzyme (PDE-9) inhibitor. PDE-9 activity is abnormally elevated in heart failure which can impede activation of the heart’s normal responses to stress and make the heart more vulnerable to damage. In preclinical models of heart failure, inhibiting PDE-9 with CRD-733 restores these heart-protective mechanisms and has been shown to prevent and reverse heart muscle malfunction brought on by abnormal stress. Cardurion Pharmaceuticals obtained an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing license from Astellas to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize CRD-733 for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular-related indications in humans.

About Heart Failure

Heart failure is marked by progressive weakening or stiffening of the heart muscle and the organ’s gradual loss of blood-pumping ability. Although symptoms can be managed, this is a chronic condition with no cure. With more than 26 million people with heart failure worldwide¹ and 6.5 million people with heart failure in the United States,² heart failure is the most important remaining unmet need in cardiovascular disease. In the United States, heart failure accounts for more than 1 million hospital admissions² and costs approximately $30 billion dollars each year to treat³. Not only are these costs expected to rise to almost $70 billion by 2030³, the incidence of heart failure is projected to rise 46 percent – resulting in more than 8 million people with heart failure in the United States⁴.

About Cardurion Pharmaceuticals

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company with both clinical and preclinical programs focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Led by two physician-scientists with extensive experience in cardiovascular science, medicine, and drug development, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ unique programs and strongly collaborative environment enable the company to deliver promising treatments that target major unmet needs. Cardurion Pharmaceuticals has facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shonan, Japan. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.cardurion.com.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the costs and uncertainties associated with our research efforts and other discovery activities; the inherent uncertainties associated with the conduct, timing and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; and the adequacy of our capital resources and availability of additional funding. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The safety and efficacy of the agent discussed herein are under investigation and have not been established. There is no guarantee that the agent will receive regulatory approval and become commercially available for the uses being investigated. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

¹ Global Public Health Burden of Heart Failure. Cardiac Failure Review (2017)

² American Heart Association, Causes and Risks for Heart Failure (February 2018)

³ Circ Heart Fail. 2013 May ; 6(3): 606–619. doi:10.1161/HHF.0b013e318291329a

⁴ American Heart Association, Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics (January 2017)

Media
Stephanie Hutton
W2O pure
shutton@w2ogroup.com
+1 910.726.1367

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Appoints Jeb Keiper to Its Board of Directors

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – [August 16, 2018] – Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, today announced the appointment of industry leader, Jeb Keiper, as an independent member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Keiper joins founder Michael Mendelsohn, M.D., Ken Novack, Ed Mascioli, M.D. and chief executive officer Daniel Bloomfield, M.D. as members, along with board observers, Stephen Hitchcock, Ph.D. and Keith Gottesdiener, M.D.

“We are fortunate to have amassed a tremendous breadth and depth of expertise in drug discovery, development, and business amongst our board members, observers and advisors, which positions Cardurion well to deliver on our vision of becoming the world’s leading cardiovascular drug company,” said Daniel Bloomfield, M.D., chief executive officer at Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. “We are thrilled to have Jeb share his expertise and leadership skills as Cardurion takes on the challenges and opportunities of the company’s next critical phase of growth.”

Jeb Keiper has 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries with extensive expertise in financing and business development transactions. Mr. Keiper currently serves as chief financial officer and chief business officer at Nimbus Therapeutics, LLC, where he has overseen over $700m of capital inflows via a variety of financing and partnering transactions since joining in 2014. Prior to joining Nimbus, Mr. Keiper was vice president of business development at GSK Oncology and spent a decade at GSK in various business development leadership roles. Mr. Keiper led the oncology portion of the GSK-Novartis 3-business swap for $16b announced in April 2014. Earlier in his career, Mr. Keiper was a consultant at McKinsey and Company and worked in business development at TransForm Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Keiper began his career at Pfizer R&D as a bench chemist. He received four degrees from MIT: one in Chemistry, two in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA from MIT Sloan.

“Cardurion has built an exceptional company focused on addressing multiple pathways in the cardiomyocyte,” said Mr. Keiper. “I look forward to working with the leadership team and fellow board members as Cardurion continues to build a novel portfolio of clinical and preclinical programs for patients with cardiovascular disease.”

For additional information on Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ board and leadership team, please visit the company’s website: http://www.cardurion.com.

About Cardurion Pharmaceuticals

Cardurion is a biotechnology company with both clinical and preclinical programs focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Led by two physician-scientists with extensive experience in cardiovascular science, medicine and drug development, Cardurion’s unique programs and strongly collaborative environment enable the company to deliver promising treatments that target major unmet needs. Cardurion has facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shonan, Japan. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.cardurion.com.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the costs and uncertainties associated with our research efforts and other discovery activities; the inherent uncertainties associated with the conduct, timing and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; and the adequacy of our capital resources and availability of additional funding. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The safety and efficacy of the agent discussed herein are under investigation and have not been established. There is no guarantee that the agent will receive regulatory approval and become commercially available for the uses being investigated. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Appoints Rebecca Frey as Chief Operating Officer

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – [July 24, 2018] – Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, today announced that it has expanded its leadership team with the addition of chief operating officer, Rebecca V. Frey, Pharm.D.

“The expansion of our leadership team will not only allow us to streamline and optimize our operations, but further execute on our strategic vision to deliver breakthrough treatments to target major unmet needs in cardiovascular medicine,” said Daniel Bloomfield, M.D., chief executive officer at Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women and accounts for one-third of deaths worldwide.1,2 Rebecca’s strategic know-how and operational ingenuity will be critical for Cardurion as we pursue our goal to transform the treatment of cardiovascular disease.”

Rebecca is a highly regarded leader who brings almost 20 years of strategic and operational biotech experience to Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. As chief operating officer, Rebecca will formulate strategies and lead all aspects of operations to maximize value creation. Prior to joining Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, Rebecca served as executive vice president of operations at Prevail Therapeutics, where she led clinical operations and early development planning. Prior to that, Rebecca spent eleven years at Alexion Pharmaceuticals. During her tenure, Rebecca held a wide range of leadership roles in development, project management and manufacturing, including vice president of operations and chief of staff to the CEO. Before Alexion, Rebecca spent six years in clinical operations and medical affairs at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Rebecca earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Northeastern University and completed her post-doctoral clinical research fellowship at Northeastern University and Tufts Medical Center. She is a 2017 graduate of the Women in Bio Boardroom Ready program.

“There exists a critical medical need for innovation to overcome the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and I’m pleased to join a world-class team of cardiologists with a deep understanding and desire to advance treatments for patients who are living with heart failure,” said Rebecca Frey, chief operating officer at Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. “I am excited to bring my capability and passion for disciplined execution to Cardurion’s management team, and I look forward to delivering on the company’s strategic priorities.”

For additional information on Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ leadership team, please visit the company’s website: http://www.cardurion.com.

About Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Cardurion is a biotechnology company with both clinical and preclinical programs focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Led by two physician-scientists with extensive experience in cardiovascular science, medicine and drug development, Cardurion’s unique programs and strongly collaborative environment enable the company to deliver promising treatments that target major unmet needs. Cardurion has facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shonan, Japan. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.cardurion.com.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the costs and uncertainties associated with our research efforts and other discovery activities; the inherent uncertainties associated with the conduct, timing and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; and the adequacy of our capital resources and availability of additional funding. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The safety and efficacy of the agent discussed herein are under investigation and have not been established. There is no guarantee that the agent will receive regulatory approval and become commercially available for the uses being investigated. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

¹ American Heart Association, Causes and Risks for Heart Failure (February 2018)
² American College of Cardiology, Cardiovascular disease causes one-third of deaths worldwide (May 2017)

Media
Stephanie Hutton
W2O pure
shutton@w2ogroup.com
+1 910.726.1367

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Announces Formation of Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – [June 26, 2018] – Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, today announced that it has assembled world-class Scientific and Clinical Advisory Boards.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women and accounts for one-third of deaths worldwide^1,2,” said Daniel Bloomfield, M.D., chief executive officer at Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. “The insight and expertise of our scientific and clinical advisory board will be critical as we advance our pipeline of novel treatments to reduce the burden of this public health issue. We are honored and extremely fortunate to welcome such distinguished visionaries and clinicians to the team.”

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals is pleased to share the members of its Scientific and Clinical Advisory Boards.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Scientific Advisory Board

• Eric Olson, Ph.D., scientific advisory board chairman, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals; professor and chairman, UT Southwestern Medical Center
• Douglas Mann, M.D., chief of cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine
• David Kass, M.D., professor of medicine and cardiology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine

“Cardurion is targeting key and well validated pathways to enhance heart function,” said Dr. Eric Olson, scientific advisory board chairman, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals.  “Cardurion has a tremendous team with deep expertise in developing pioneering therapies, and I look forward to working alongside these leaders to advance treatments for heart failure and other cardiovascular disorders.”

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Clinical Advisory Board

• James Udelson, M.D., clinical advisory board chairman, Cardurion Pharmaceuticals; chief of cardiology, Tufts Medical Center and professor of medicine and radiology, Tufts University School of Medicine
• Eugene Braunwald, M.D., distinguished Hersey professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School; founding chairman, Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infraction Study Group
• John McMurray M.D., professor of medical cardiology and deputy director of the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences at the University of Glasgow, UK
• Scott Solomon, M.D., the Edward D. Frohlich distinguished chair, professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School; senior physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

“There remains a critical need for innovation to address the burden of several major cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure,” said Dr. Eugene Braunwald. “I am deeply impressed by Cardurion’s team and focus and believe this new company is well poised to make a real difference to patients.”

For additional information on Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ Scientific and Clinical Advisory Boards, please visit the company’s website: http://www.cardurion.com.

About Cardurion Pharmaceuticals

Cardurion is a biotechnology company with both clinical and preclinical programs focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Led by two physician-scientists with extensive experience in cardiovascular science, medicine and drug development, Cardurion’s unique programs and strongly collaborative environment enable the company to deliver promising treatments that target major unmet needs. Cardurion has facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shonan, Japan. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.cardurion.com.

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals’ Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the costs and uncertainties associated with our research efforts and other discovery activities; the inherent uncertainties associated with the conduct, timing and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; and the adequacy of our capital resources and availability of additional funding. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The safety and efficacy of the agent discussed herein are under investigation and have not been established. There is no guarantee that the agent will receive regulatory approval and become commercially available for the uses being investigated. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

¹ American Heart Association, Causes and Risks for Heart Failure (February 2018)
² American College of Cardiology, Cardiovascular disease causes one-third of deaths worldwide (May 2017)

Media
Stephanie Hutton
W2O pure
shutton@w2ogroup.com
+1 910.726.1367

Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Licenses Clinical Stage Heart Failure Candidate from Astellas

Company expanding pipeline of novel treatments for cardiovascular disease

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – [April 16, 2018] – Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, today announced it has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Astellas to develop and commercialize CRD-733, a PDE-9 inhibitor with the potential to improve cardiac function in heart failure patients.

Under the terms of the agreement, Astellas has granted Cardurion Pharmaceuticals an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing license, to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize CRD-733 for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular-related indications in humans.

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive syndrome in which the heart is unable to adequately meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Heart failure can occur with either a weak heart muscle that cannot adequately eject blood, or a muscle that is strong enough, but other factors limiting its ability to fill or increase function, as needed, are impaired. Over 6 million people in the United States have one of these two forms of heart failure¹, and this unmet medical need poses the greatest challenge in cardiovascular medicine today. Recent evidence supports that inhibition of PDE-9 has potential to restore heart-protective mechanisms that are dysfunctional in both forms of heart failure.

“Heart failure is an expanding global problem that remains one of the major unmet medical needs in cardiovascular disease,” said David Kass, M.D., scientific advisor at Cardurion Pharmaceuticals and professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who first discovered the key role of PDE-9 inhibition in heart failure. “PDE-9 is abnormally elevated in human failing hearts, which can impede a natural protective pathway and make the heart more vulnerable to damage. In our studies, inhibiting PDE-9 was able to prevent and reverse heart malfunction brought on by abnormal stress. Inhibiting PDE-9 in patients has the real potential to treat multiple forms of heart failure².”

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women, accounting for over 17 million deaths per year³,” said Daniel Bloomfield, chief executive officer of Cardurion Pharmaceuticals. “We are pleased to enter this agreement with Astellas to develop and commercialize CRD-733 and provide a new therapeutic option to heart failure patients. We look forward to advancing CRD-733 into further clinical development in 2018.”

About Cardurion Pharmaceuticals

Cardurion is a biotechnology company with both clinical and preclinical programs focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. Led by two physician-scientists with extensive experience in cardiovascular science, medicine and drug development, Cardurion’s unique programs and strongly collaborative environment enable the company to deliver promising treatments that target major unmet needs. Cardurion has facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shonan, Japan. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.cardurion.com.

About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. Astellas focuses on Urology, Oncology, Immunology, Nephrology and Neuroscience as prioritized therapeutic areas while advancing new therapeutic areas and discovery research leveraging new technologies/modalities. Astellas is also creating new value by combining internal capabilities and external expertise in the medical/healthcare business. Astellas is on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at www.astellas.com/en.

Cardurion’s Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements that express or imply future outcomes of our partnership with Takeda, are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the costs and uncertainties associated with our research efforts and other discovery activities; the inherent uncertainties associated with the conduct, timing and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; and the adequacy of our capital resources and availability of additional funding. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

The safety and efficacy of the agent discussed herein are under investigation and have not been established. There is no guarantee that the agent will receive regulatory approval and become commercially available for the uses being investigated. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

¹ American Heart Association, Causes and Risks for Heart Failure (February 2018)

² Lee, D. et al. Phosphodiesterase 9A controls nitric-oxideindependent cGMP and hypertrophic heart disease. Nature. 519, 472-476 (2015)

³ World Health Organization, Cardiovascular diseases (May 2017)

Media Contact for Cardurion
Stephanie Hutton
W2Opure
shutton@w2ogroup.com
+1 910.726.1367

Takeda and Cardurion Pharmaceuticals Launch Cardiovascular Development Partnership

Collaboration to develop novel, next-generation therapeutics to treat heart disease

Osaka, Japan and Cambridge, Mass., – 2 August 2017 – Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) and Cardurion Pharmaceuticals today announced the creation of a new cardiovascular development partnership. Cardurion, a recently launched Boston-area based biotechnology company, is focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Cardurion is led by two physician scientists with extensive experience in cardiovascular science, medicine and drug development — Daniel Bloomfield, M.D., chief executive officer, and Michael Mendelsohn, M.D., founder and executive chairman. Takeda will jumpstart the new company’s discovery efforts by providing a 12-person cardiovascular research team from its Shonan, Japan site, including fully equipped laboratory space, development resources and licenses to a portfolio of preclinical-stage cardiovascular drug programs.

“The creation of this partnership with Cardurion follows Takeda’s strategy to leverage external innovation by placing selected assets and outstanding scientists into entrepreneurial environments,” said Andrew Plump, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical and scientific officer, Takeda. “By leveraging the high level of therapeutic expertise at Takeda’s Shonan Research Center to support drug discovery, we’re motivating scientists to come together to deliver on our promise of serving patients with existing unmet needs.”

The newly formed Cardurion is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has research facilities in Shonan, Japan — with both locations surrounded by leading academic research ecosystems that support biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to developing transformative, novel therapies that can have a meaningful impact for the millions of people around the world suffering from heart disease,” said Bloomfield. “The scientific collaboration we’re establishing with Takeda will propel our preclinical efforts and ultimately help get important therapies into the hands of patients in need.”

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide in both men and women, accounting for more than 17 million deaths per year¹, a number that is expected to grow to nearly 24 million by 2030². Heart failure alone affects more than six million patients in the U.S.³, with nearly a million new patients diagnosed each year³.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as Takeda’s presence in Emerging Markets, are currently fueling the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with Takeda’s partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.

About Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Cardurion is a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel, next-generation therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. The company has facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shonan, Japan. For more information, visit http://www.cardurion.com.

Takeda’s Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including plans, strategies and expectations for the future, statements regarding the expected timing of filings and approvals relating to the transaction, the expected timing of the completion of the transaction, the ability to complete the transaction or to satisfy the various closing conditions, future revenues and profitability from or growth or any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Statements made in the future tense, and words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “continue,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “pro forma,” “intend,” “potential,” “target,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “seek,” “assume,” “will,” “may,” “should,” and similar expressions are intended to qualify as forwardlooking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management that are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Investors and security holders are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or experience to differ materially from that expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Some of these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: required regulatory approvals for the transaction may not be obtained in a timely manner, if at all; the conditions to closing of the transaction may not be satisfied; competitive pressures and developments; applicable laws and regulations; the success or failure of product development programs; actions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; changes in exchange rates; and claims or concerns regarding the safety or efficacy of marketed products or product candidates in development.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and neither Cardurion, nor Takeda undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of the forward-looking statement. If one or more of these statements is updated or corrected, investors and others should not conclude that additional updates or corrections will be made.

Cardurion’s Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, all of which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements that express or imply future outcomes of our partnership with Takeda, are forward-looking statements that are based on management’s expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the costs and uncertainties associated with our research efforts and other discovery activities; the inherent uncertainties associated with the conduct, timing and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; and the adequacy of our capital resources and availability of additional funding. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

# # #

Media Contacts for Takeda:
Tsuyoshi Tada – Japan
tsuyoshi.tada@takeda.com
+81-3-3278-2417

Kelly Schlemm – USA
kelly.schlemm@takeda.com
+1-617-551-8865

Media Contact for Cardurion:
Stephanie Hutton
Pure Communications
shutton@purecommunications.com
+1 910.726.1367

¹ World Health Organization. Cardiovascular Diseases Fact Sheet. May 2017. Retrieved June 2017.
² World Health Organization. About Cardiovascular Diseases. Retrieved June 2017.
³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Failure Fact Sheet. Retrieved June 2017.

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