NTMD Nitromed (MM)

NitroMed, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTMD) announced today the closing of its acquisition by affiliates of Deerfield Management, a leading healthcare investment organization. Pursuant to the terms of the previously announced agreement and plan of merger, at the effective time of the merger each share of NitroMed common stock was automatically converted into the right to receive $0.8585 in cash, without interest. NitroMed stockholders will receive information in the mail on how to receive payment for their shares.

In connection with the closing of the merger today, NitroMed has requested that NASDAQ remove NitroMed's stock from listing on The NASDAQ Global Market at the close of business on April 24, 2009.

About NitroMed, Inc.

NitroMed of Lexington, Massachusetts is the maker of BiDil� (isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine hydrochloride), an orally administered medicine available in the United States for the treatment of heart failure in self-identified black patients. In this population, BiDil is indicated as an adjunct to current standard therapies such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta blockers. There is little experience in patients with New York Heart Association Class IV heart failure. BiDil was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, primarily on the basis of efficacy data from NitroMed's landmark A-HeFT (African American Heart Failure Trial) clinical trial. For full prescribing information, visit: www.BiDil.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding the merger with Deerfield and other statements about NitroMed's future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "could," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," "plans," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the factors described in NitroMed's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the other filings that NitroMed makes with the SEC.

In addition, the statements in this press release reflect NitroMed's expectations and beliefs as of the date of this release. NitroMed anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its expectations and beliefs to change. However, while NitroMed may elect to update these forward-looking statements publicly at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing NitroMed's views as of any date after the date of this release.

Contact: Sondra Newman IR-IQ Communications Phone: (617) 877-5687 NITROMED, INC. 45 Hayden Avenue, Suite 3000 Lexington, MA 02421 t. 781.266.4000 f. 781.274.8080 www.nitromed.com