TORONTO, April 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GeneNews Limited (TSX:GEN), a company focused on developing and commercializing blood-based biomarker tests for the early detection of diseases and personalized health management, announced that Enzo Clinical Labs, a division of Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ), has launched ColonSentry®, the world's first blood test to assess an individual's current risk for colorectal cancer.
"Colonoscopy is widely regarded as the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection. As a risk stratification test, ColonSentry® may facilitate a decision to undergo colonoscopy for those who would otherwise refuse the procedure. It can also help prioritize patients at greater current risk for colorectal cancer in healthcare systems with limited colonoscopy capacity. Widespread adoption of the test could lead to earlier detection of colorectal cancer, improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs," commented Gailina J. Liew, President and Chief Operating Officer of GeneNews.
Ms. Liew continued, "Enzo's launch of ColonSentry is a significant milestone for the commercialization of GeneNews' proprietary Sentinel Principle® platform technology. It also provides us with access to a key market for molecular diagnostic tests and an important first entry point into the U.S. market."
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Each year, there are approximately 154,000 colorectal cancer cases diagnosed and 52,000 deaths due to this disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men and women age 50 and older be regularly screened for colorectal cancer. However, only about half of this population is up-to-date on screening as many patients regard recommended tests such as colonoscopy and stool-based tests to be invasive or unpleasant, and consequently, refuse or delay testing.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC"), this low level of patient compliance with recommended colorectal cancer screening tests results in less than 40% of colorectal cancers being detected early. The CDC estimates that close to one-third of colorectal cancer-related deaths could be avoided if more people underwent regular screening. When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90%.
About GeneNews
GeneNews is an emerging molecular diagnostics company focused on the application of functional genomics to enable early diagnosis and personalized health management based on disease-specific biomarkers. The Company has a patented core platform technology, the Sentinel Principle®, which has the power to detect and stage virtually any disease or medical condition from a simple blood sample. GeneNews is currently applying the Sentinel Principle in major areas with unmet clinical needs such as cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. The Company's lead product, ColonSentry®, is a convenient, patient-friendly blood-based test that can be incorporated into a routine physical exam to assess an individual's current risk of having colorectal cancer. For more information on GeneNews and ColonSentry, visit www.genenews.com and www.colonsentry.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.