New Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Patent Granted to VIVUS

Business Wire, March 24, 1999

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--March 24, 1999--VIVUS, Inc. (Nasdaq:VVUS) has been issued patent No. 5,886,039 for the "Method and Composition for Treating Erectile Dysfunction" by the U.S. Patent Office. This patent provides VIVUS with broad patent protection for the commercialization of ALIBRA(tm), VIVUS' second-generation transurethral treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED).

ALIBRA is the first transurethral two-drug combination therapy for the treatment of ED. The two drugs, alprostadil and prazosin, work by distinct and complementary mechanisms to initiate and maintain smooth muscle relaxation, the key physiological event required to achieve penile erection. Additional benefits of ALIBRA include a redesigned applicator and a single-strength dosage formulation. Because of these attributes, ALIBRA may become a welcome new prescribing option for primary care physicians and ED specialists. ALIBRA is currently in Phase III clinical trials and VIVUS plans to submit a New Drug Application for ALIBRA to the FDA during the fourth quarter of 1999.

Founded in 1991, VIVUS, Inc. is a leader in the development of advanced therapeutic systems for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as impotence. VIVUS has pioneered a novel therapy for erectile dysfunction known as the transurethral system for erection. This therapy consists of a proprietary, non-invasive drug delivery system that delivers pharmacologic agents via the urethra.

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).