BERLIN and SEATTLE, April 11, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt:ECX), a cancer molecular diagnostics company developing tests based on DNA methylation, will present the most recent data from its colorectal cancer screening test development program at the upcoming Annual Meeting 2007 of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Los Angles, CA, U.S.A.
The poster titled "Clinical case-control study in plasma shows that the DNA methylation biomarker, Septin 9, detects 70% of Stage I-III colorectal cancer patients" will be presented by Cathy Lofton-Day, PhD, Epigenomics' Vice President Molecular Biology in a late-breaking poster session on Tuesday, April 17, 2007.
The AACR Annual Meeting is considered one of the field's most important international annual cancer research meetings. The organizers expect more than 17,000 scientists from all over the world to participate in this year's meeting that marks the centennial of the AACR and is themed "A Century of Leadership in Science - A Future of Cancer Prevention and Cures". The increasingly recognized importance of DNA methylation and epigenetics in cancer development, diagnosis and treatment is reflected in a dedicated symposium, the Ruth Sager Memorial Symposium on Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, chaired by Peter A. Jones, Member of Epigenomics' Scientific Advisory Board and Director of the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as numerous dedicated poster sessions.
Presentation details
Abstract No: LB-165
Title: Clinical case-control study in plasma shows that the DNA methylation Biomarker, Septin 9, detects 70% of Stage I-III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: C Lofton-Day, F Model, T DeVos, V Liebenberg, RW Day, A. Siedziewski
Time: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Exhibit Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center
Poster Session: Late-Breaking Poster Session 1
Poster Board No: LB-165
About Epigenomics AG
Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company with a focus on the development of novel products for cancer. Using DNA methylation biomarkers, Epigenomics' tests can potentially diagnose disease at an early stage and help guide physicians to select an appropriate therapy. Epigenomics' defined business strategy covers two complementary core business areas:
In cooperation with industry partners, the company develops diagnostic screening tests for the early detection of cancer, mass-market products with huge potentials. Based on easily obtainable body fluid samples (e.g. blood and urine), these tests are aimed at finding cancer at an early stage before symptoms occur. Epigenomics' product pipeline contains an extensively validated biomarker panel for the early detection of colorectal cancer in blood plasma, and further proprietary DNA methylation biomarkers at various stages of development for prostate and lung cancer detection in body fluids. Epigenomics aims at giving patients and doctors early access to these biomarkers through reference laboratory testing services. For development and global commercialization as in vitro diagnostic tests kits, Epigenomics pursues a non-exclusive partnering strategy with diagnostics industry players.
As a second core business area, Epigenomics develops specialty diagnostics for individuals at high risk for cancer and cancer patients. These tests include surveillance applications of our colorectal cancer biomarkers and a tissue-based prognostic cancer molecular classification test for prostate cancer patients. Our tissue-based prostate cancer application is developed in strategic partnerships with Qiagen (pre-analytics) and Affymetrix (diagnostic device platform). The biomarkers for cancer specialty diagnostic applications will be made available through testing services in centralized reference laboratories. Epigenomics retains the flexibility to decide on further commercialization as in vitro diagnostic test kits in Europe and eventually the US midterm.
Pharma, diagnostics and biotech partners can access Epigenomics' portfolio of proprietary DNA methylation technologies and biomarkers protected by more than 200 patent families through Biomarker Services, IVD Development Collaborations, and Licensing. The company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a wholly owned subsidiary in Seattle, WA, USA. For more information, please visit Epigenomics' website at www.epigenomics.com.
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.