AtheroNova Inc. Preclinical Study Demonstrates 95% Reduction in Arterial Plaque Formation

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AtheroNova Inc. (OTCBB: AHRO) ("AtheroNova"), a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque, announced the recent presentation by Diana Shih, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, at the 2011 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida.  Dr. Shih's presentation included information on research sponsored by the Company which demonstrated that dietary supplementation of AHRO-001 resulted in a 95% reduction in arterial plaque formation at the innominate artery when compared to the control group.

The study results also revealed significant reduction in plasma cholesterol and dietary cholesterol absorption in the test subjects that received HDCA. HDCA supplementation also improved HDL function as measured by cholesterol efflux assay. These factors indicate multiple methods of action for an anti-atherogenic effect, suggesting a clear potential for new anti-atherosclerotic therapy.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of the UCLA study and want to thank Dr. Shih for all of her efforts on this presentation," said Thomas W. Gardner, CEO of AtheroNova. "The data from this study confirms and enhances our initial research and understanding of the compounds. As a result, we are moving forward with the preparation of an Investigative New Drug (IND) application with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for our atherosclerotic plaque regression compounds, in addition to, preparations for entry into Phase I human trials during 2012."

"Presenting such positive data to an audience of industry peers at AHA validates the potential of AtheroNova's compounds," Gardner concluded. 

Dr. Shih's presentation can be viewed on the American Heart Association's website at www.scientificsessions.org.

About AtheroNova

AtheroNova, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AtheroNova Operations, Inc., is a development stage company currently researching novel patents-pending applications of certain natural compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits, a process called delipidization. The Company plans to develop multiple applications for its compounds, to be used in pharmaceutical grade products for the treatment of atherosclerosis, obesity and lipomas.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently unreliable and actual results may differ materially. Examples of forward looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the value of Dr. Nicholls' appointment to AtheroNova's scientific advisory board, and the development of applications for AtheroNova's technology. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include such factors as significant fluctuations in expenses associated with clinical trials, failure to secure additional financing, the inability to complete regulatory filings with the Food and Drug Administration, the introduction of competing products, or management's ability to attract and maintain qualified personnel necessary for the development and commercialization of its planned products, and other information that may be detailed from time to time in AtheroNova's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. AtheroNova undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE AtheroNova Inc.