Lund, Sweden, 2012-10-30 08:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
EXINI Diagnostics AB (NASDAQ OMX First North: EXINI) and Active Biotech AB (NASDAQ OMX NORDIC: ACTI) start collaboration within clinical trials. The aim is to use the opportunity offered by EXINI Bone™ to monitor disease progression in advanced prostate cancer, using the BSI (Bone Scan Index) value, a new imaging biomarker. BSI is thought to be useful in studying the effect of tasquinimod in the treatment of patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
The cooperation between EXINI and Active Biotech is primarily designed to retrospectively evaluate the results of tasquinimod phase I-II clinical trials, by following the unique BSI value obtained by the product EXINI bone. The goal is to create additional insight into the mechanism of tasquinimod that showed prolonged progression-free survival in a randomized phase II study, using BSI as an exploratory endpoint, and also to present these results at a scientific conference.
The development of tasquinimod is with a focus on the treatment of prostate cancer, but other cancer indications are also studied. Tasquinimod has a mechanism of action that includes both immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activity. The most advanced study is a Phase III trial in CRPC patients. The first outcomes are expected by the end of 2013.
The software EXINI bone provides valuable clinical information particular in advanced prostate cancer with bone metastases. The BSI value generated by EXINI bone is based on an automatic mathematical calculation, relating the volume of bone metastasis in relation to the entire bone volume. There is scientific evidence proving BSI to be an important Imaging biomarker which provides knowledge about prognosis and response to therapy.
-We are really looking forward to cooperate with EXINI to establish valuable information related to tasquinimod. Automated BSI analysis is very interesting for a standardized way to monitor and characterize the promising treatment effects we have achieved with tasquinimod in clinical trials of patients with prostate cancer, says Mats Hansen project leader tasquinimod.
Magnus Aurell, CEO EXINI Diagnostics AB, comments
-This collaborative project with Active Biotech is very exciting, showing that EXINI bone and its BSI value can provide new and important information in evaluating the future of cancer drugs. It opens up new commercial opportunities for us to work closer together with companies developing and evaluating new drugs. The cooperation also creates valuable global market opportunities, since the participants in these clinical trials are reputable universities around the world.
For more information, please contact:
Magnus Aurell, CEO
Phone: +46 46 286 54 25
E-mail: magnus.aurell@exini.com
About EXINI Diagnostics AB (publ)
EXINI Diagnostics AB (publ) offers advanced solutions for medical decision support to hospitals worldwide. The system is based on advanced image analysis by artificial intelligence and can make its own interpretation of radiology images and provide diagnostic suggestions. In this way the system is used as a decision support for the diagnosing doctor. EXINI is working with products for the diagnosis of some of the most frequent endemic diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer, dementia and Parkinson's disease. The company was founded in 1999 by Professor Lars Edenbrandt. EXINI is listed on the stock market NASDAQ OMX First North and has about 400 shareholders. Principal owner is Bo Håkansson. Thenberg & Kinde Fondkomission AB acts as Certified Adviser.
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EXINI Diagnostics AB, Ideon Science Park, Scheelevägen 19A, SE-223 70 Lund, Sweden
Phone: +46 46 286 54 20, Fax: +46 46 286 54 29, info@exini.com, www.exini.com
