Tranzyme Pharma Appoints New Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and SHERBROOKE, Québec (September 20, 2005) –Tranzyme Pharma, a leading biopharmaceutical company developing novel mechanism-based therapeutics for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, announced today the appointment of Gordana Kosutic, M.D. as the Company’s new Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs.

Dr. Kosutic is a highly accomplished physician-executive with 25 years of experience in all aspects of clinical research, including medical and regulatory affairs and medical marketing. Prior to joining Tranzyme Pharma, Dr. Kosutic served in senior executive positions at Fulcrum Pharma Developments, Inc., Nobex Corporation, ClinTrials Research, Inc. (now part of Charles River Laboratories), and ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She has extensive clinical development expertise encompassing strategic clinical trial design and implementation. Her research and clinical experience spans multiple therapeutic indications including gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, osteoporosis, hepatitis, psychiatric disorders, and cancer.

“Dr. Kosutic's appointment plays a significant role in building Tranzyme Pharma's senior management team as we move forward in the development of TZP-101,” said Vipin K. Garg, Ph.D., President & CEO of Tranzyme Pharma. “She joins at a key moment as we plan for the initiation of our Phase I trial for post-operative ileus in the first quarter of 2006. Dr. Kosutic’s experience will enhance the development of our products and facilitate the strategic expansion of our therapeutic pipeline. Her impressive background will prove to be extremely valuable in not only implementing our clinical strategy but also in contributing to our business strategy.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to lead the advancement of Tranzyme Pharma’s novel products into the clinic,” said Dr. Kosutic. “The preclinical studies thus far have demonstrated that TZP-101 is a promising novel small molecule ghrelin agonist for the treatment of post-operative ileus and diabetic gastroparesis. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Company at this pivotal stage of its growth and success.”