Vice President, Finance Employment Agreement

Exhibit 10.22 September 3, 2004


James G. Ham, III 31 Merion Place Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648


Dear Jim:


I would like to formally offer you the position of Vice President, Finance at NitroMed reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer.


The terms of this offer are as follows:


Responsibilities: You will be responsible for all controller-related
functions, including general accounting and auditing
financial control as well as financial
analysis/analytical support of all departments.


Base Salary: $180,000 per year paid in 24 equal payments to be
reviewed annually.


Stock: You will be offered an option to purchase 40,000
shares of common stock in the Company. The price at
which the stock closes on your start date will be the
exercise price of these options. These options will
vest over four years in equal installments as long as
you remain in the employ of the Company.


Performance Bonus: You may be entitled to receive a bonus under the
NitroMed bonus plan, which is discretionary and
based on milestones to be determined and mutually
agreed upon by the Chief Financial Officer/Chief
Business Officer and you. You will be entitled to
receive a minimum guaranteed first year bonus of
20% that will be prorated for the months remaining
between your date of ...