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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
__________________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  October 20, 2008

Critical Therapeutics, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (781) 402-5700

Not applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

⊠ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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Item 2.02     Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 20, 2008, Critical Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The full text of the press release issued in connection with the announcement is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 8.01     Other Events.

The press release issued by the Company on October 20, 2008 announcing its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2008 also provides an update with respect to the status of the Company’s proposed transaction with Cornerstone BioPharma Holdings, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 1, 2008, among the Company, Neptune Acquisition Corp. and Cornerstone. The press release, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01     Financial Statements and Exhibits.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX