Kos Life Sciences

Kos Pharmaceuticals (and its subsidiary Kos Life Sciences) was a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary prescription products for chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory diseases. The company was best known for its lipid management franchise, including Niaspan (extended-release niacin) and Advicor (niacin/lovastatin combination), which pioneered the treatment of low HDL cholesterol. Kos was also recognized for its proprietary drug delivery technologies, particularly in solid-dose and inhalation formulations. In 2006, the company was acquired by Abbott Laboratories for approximately $3.7 billion, significantly expanding Abbott's presence in the cardiovascular market. The company's legal entity, Kos Life Sciences, is also notable for a landmark European patent case regarding the patentability of dosage regimens.