EANS-News: Epigenomics AG: Study Shows Patient Preference for Blood Based Colorectal Cancer Screening
06.03.2012 – 14:02
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Company Information/New Products/molecular diagnostics Berlin, Germany, and Seattle, WA, U.S.A., March 6, 2012 (euro adhoc) - Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX), the German-American cancer molecular diagnostics company, today announced that results of a survey on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening preferences conducted by Jennifer Taber et al. (Department of Psychology University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, ARUP Laboratories) were presented at the American Society for Preventive Oncology 2012 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC on March 5, 2012. The study assessed the attitudes and preferences of 100 participants eligible for CRC screening of which 44% were previously unscreened, with respect to screening by FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or Septin9 blood testing. In this focus group study, participants completed a survey after a 90 minute moderated discussion about the procedure, cost and accuracy of all tests. The survey indicated that given the performance of the ARUP Septin9 test (90% sensitive, 89% specific; Warren et al. 2011) and its cost of approximately USD 180, two thirds of previously unscreened subjects would prefer a Septin9 blood test to other screening methods. Among the positive aspects of the test, participants noted its convenience (62%), cost (52%) and accuracy (55%). Among the negative factors of the test, participants mentioned the inability to detect precancerous polyps (6%) and lack of insurance coverage (6%). Noel Doheny, CEO of Epigenomics' US subsidiary and member of the Epigenomics Senior Management Team noted: "The study demonstrates that the convenience of a blood based test should lead to a greater acceptance and thus a higher compliance to colorectal cancer screening. It underlines the value that blood-based Septin9 tests can potentially bring as alternative for the detection of colorectal cancer". Karen Heichman, Ph.D., VP Oncology Technology Development & Licensing, ARUP Laboratories added: "ARUP is proud to provide a non-invasive blood based approach that people can use for the early detection of colorectal cancer". - Ends - Further Information Contact Epigenomics AG Antje Zeise Manager IR | PR Epigenomics AG Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368 ir@epigenomics.com www.epigenomics.com About Epigenomics Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company developing and commercializing a pipeline of proprietary products for cancer. The Company's products enable doctors to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately, leading to improved outcomes for patients. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon®, is a blood-based test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is currently marketed in Europe and is in development for the U.S.A. The Company's technology and products have been validated through multiple partnerships with leading global diagnostic companies including Abbott, QIAGEN, Sysmex, and Quest Diagnostics. Epigenomics is an international company with operations in Europe and the U.S.A. Epigenomics legal disclaimer 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 or Canada. The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the U.S. have not been established. Further inquiry note: Antje Zeise | CIRO Manager IR/PR Epigenomics AG Tel: +49 30 24345 386 antje.zeise@epigenomics.com end of announcement euro adhoc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- company: Epigenomics AG Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1 D-10178 Berlin phone: +49 30 24345-0 FAX: +49 30 24345-555 mail: ir@epigenomics.com WWW: http://www.epigenomics.com sector: Biotechnology ISIN: DE000A1K0516 indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share stockmarkets: free trade: Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt language: English