EANS-News: Epigenomics Signs Distribution Deal with DPC for Epi proColon in Middle East
BERLIN and SEATTLE, November 5, 2010 (euro adhoc) -
Third distribution agreement for Epi proColon completes the picture for the Middle East
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Company Information/Molecular diagnostics
Subtitle: Third distribution agreement for Epi proColon completes the picture for the Middle East
Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX), the cancer diagnostics company, today announced that the company has signed an exclusive distributor agreement with DPC LEBANON for the commercialization of Epigenomics´ Epi proColon test in Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
Epi proColon is the world´s first CE-marked molecular diagnostic test for the early detection of colorectal cancer in blood. The test uses Epigenomics´ proprietary colorectal cancer biomarker Septin9 in blood plasma. DPC expects to begin marketing the test in the next few weeks.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world and is also major threat to public health throughout the Middle East. The disease is highly curable when detected at an early still localized stage. Survival chances, however, diminish once the tumor has spread to distant organs and the disease has become obvious with patients showing symptoms.
"We are delighted to be commercializing Epi proColon in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East," Leila Macaron, General Manager of DPC commented. "Early detection of colorectal cancer is critical to the effective treatment of this disease and we believe that this blood test is a simple procedure that can be easily incorporated into clinical regimes and screening programs."
"Signing this deal with DPC completes the picture for the Middle East following our recent deals in Turkey and Israel," commented Geert Nygaard, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics. "DPC will join DATEKS and Pronto as important partners in our continuously growing distributor network for our Epi proColon product"
Epi proColon is currently marketed by Epigenomics directly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Outside this home market, it is Epigenomics´ strategy to make the CE-marked test broadly available through a mix of direct commercialization and a distributor network.
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Contact Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum Sen. VP Corporate Development Epigenomics AG Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368 pr@epigenomics.com www.epigenomics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics AG is a molecular diagnostics company with a focus on the development of novel products for cancer. Using DNA methylation biomarkers, Epigenomics´ tests on the market and in development for colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer aim at aiding in an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of these diseases thereby potentially increasing the patient´s chances of survival.
For development and global commercialization of IVD test products, Epigenomics pursues a dual business strategy in which direct commercialization of proprietary diagnostic test products is combined with non-exclusive licensing to diagnostic industry players with broad customer access. Strategic diagnostics industry partners include Abbott Molecular, Sysmex Corporation, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, ARUP Laboratories, Inc., and Warnex Laboratories, Inc. for diagnostics test products and services, and QIAGEN N.V. for sample preparation solutions and research products.
The company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a wholly owned subsidiary, Epigenomics Inc., in Seattle, WA, USA. For more information, please visit Epigenomics´ website at www.epigenomics.com.
Notes for editors
Epi proColon
Epi proColon, developed by Epigenomics, is a CE-marked test kit for the detection of methylated DNA of the Septin9 gene in blood plasma. This Septin9 biomarker has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be closely associated with the presence of colorectal cancer and may aid in the detection of this common cancer. Septin9 is one of the best and most systematically validated biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal cancer today. In particular, the recent PRESEPT Study was a successful prospective evaluation of Epi proColon detection of methylated Septin9 in a cohort of about 8,000 individuals representative of a typical screening population.
Epigenomics´ legal disclaimers. This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward- looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The information contained in this communication does not constitute nor imply an offer to sell or transfer any product, and no product based on this technology is currently available for sale by Epigenomics in the United States of America. The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the USA have not been established.
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Tel: +49 30 24345 368
achim.plum@epigenomics.com
Branche: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A0BVT96
WKN: A0BVT9
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