Gensia Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received its first patent on itsGenESA System, the company said Thursday.

U.S. patent No. 5,108,363, issued Tuesday, covers the use ofclosed-loop administration of catecholamine compounds for thediagnosis and evaluation of coronary artery disease.

The GenESA System combines arbutamine and a computer-controlled drug delivery system designed to pharmacologicallystress the heart. It is designed to aid in the diagnosis ofcoronary artery disease using methods such aselectrocardiography, echocardiography and radionuclideimaging.

Phase III trials of the system have begun in the United Statesand the United Kingdom. The San Diego company anticipatesfiling for regulatory approvals in the U.S., Europe and Canada inmid-1993.

Gensia shares (NASDAQ:GNSA) rose $1.50 to $31.50.

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