BERLIN and SEATTLE, April 1, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt:ECS) (Prime Standard), a molecular diagnostics company developing products based on DNA methylation analysis, together with TIB MOLBIOL GmbH (Berlin/Germany) today launched the first in a series of research products at Analytica 2008, the leading industry trade fair in Munich. The products include real-time PCR kits for Epigenomics' proprietary biomarkers and reference assay kits produced under the brand name LightMix(r) by TIB MOLBIOL under license from Epigenomics. Further, the products launched include DNA methylation quantification standards produced by Epigenomics. Initially, Epigenomics will be the sole distributor of the product line in Europe and other regions excluding the U.S.
With the launch of the LightMix(r) kits, Epigenomics addresses the increasing demand by medical researchers and specialty diagnostics laboratories primarily in Europe interested in using Epigenomics' proprietary biomarkers for applications in cancer detection and cancer classification. By providing research kits for high quality DNA methylation analysis, Epigenomics aims at supporting ancillary academic and clinical research into the biology and further applications of its proprietary biomarkers. Furthermore, opinion leaders and early adopters can now gather first-hand experience with those biomarkers. Epigenomics together with its diagnostics industry partners expects to launch as in vitro diagnostic products for cancer molecular diagnostics.
"With the launch of the first molecular IVD products based on our proprietary DNA methylation biomarkers in reach, we believe that it is important to enable the biomedical research community to gain experience with these outstanding biomarkers early on," explained Geert Nygaard, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics. "Providing high-quality kits for DNA methylation biomarker research, will support the market acceptance of future DNA methylation based molecular diagnostic products," he continued.
As a first product Epigenomics and TIB MOLBIOL today have launched the LightMix(r) Kit GSTP1 for DNA methylation analysis of the GSTP1 gene. GSTP1 is among the best described DNA methylation biomarkers in prostate cancer. Epigenomics own research as well as other prominent research has shown that methylated DNA of the GSTP1 gene in tissue as well as in urine is a biomarker in prostate cancer indications. The LightMix(r) Kits are based on Epigenomics' proprietary HeavyMethyl(r) (HM) technology for sensitive and quantitative DNA methylation detection and optimized for use with Roche LightCycler(r) instruments and Roche FastStart(r) PCR kits. The kits contain premixed PCR primers, blockers and probes for 48 PCR reactions as well as positive controls. Further products launched today are the LightMix(r) Kit Reference G for the quantification of bisulfite converted DNA and standard DNAs for DNA methylation quantification. Epigenomics and TIB MOLBIOL expect to launch a LightMix(r) product for Epigenomics' proprietary colorectal cancer biomarker Septin 9 in Q2 2008 followed by further LightMix(r) products for biomarkers with potential applications in cancer diagnosis and cancer classification.
Ordering and Further Information
The LightMix(r) Kit GSTP1 and the LightMix(r) Kit Reference G, as well as the Bisulfite DNA Quantification Standards can be ordered via Epigenomics' website starting from today.
Internet link: http://www.epigenomics.com/en/biomarker-kits/
For further information on Epigenomics' and TIB MOLBIOL's research products for DNA Methylation analysis visit TIB MOLBIOL at Analytica 2008, booth no. 200, hall A3, Messe Munich, Germany, April 1 - 4, 2008 or contact Dr. Torsten Horns, Head of Business Development Diagnostics, Epigenomics AG at sales@products.epigenomics.com.
All products mentioned in this communication are for research-use only. The LightMix(r) Kit products are not for sale or use in the U.S.
About DNA Methylation
DNA methylation is a natural and tightly controlled biological process that serves the regulation of genes and the stability of the human genome. Cytosine, one of the four bases in DNA, can be modified by the covalent addition of a methyl group. DNA methylation in gene regulatory regions (i.e. gene promoters) helps control gene activity. Every cell type has its unique DNA methylation "fingerprint" that changes in various normal biological processes and in many diseases, in particular cancer. In our opinion, DNA methylation thus provides a rich source for highly specific biomarkers for organ-specific disease diagnosis, classification and prediction for therapeutic intervention.
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 cancer at an early stage and thereby may reduce mortality from this dreaded disease.
The company develops diagnostic screening tests for the early detection of cancer. Based on 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 a validated biomarker 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. For development and global commercialization as in vitro diagnostic test kits, Epigenomics pursues a non-exclusive partnering strategy with diagnostics industry companies. As a first strategic partner, Abbott Molecular Inc. licensed the worldwide non-exclusive rights to Epigenomics' proprietary Septin 9 biomarker for colorectal cancer. Epigenomics also aims at giving patients and doctors early access to these biomarkers through reference laboratory testing services. As a first reference laboratory partner, Quest Diagnostics Inc., the leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, obtained the license to commercialize a laboratory-developed test (LDT) for Septin 9 in the U.S.
Partners in the health care industry and the biomedical research community can access Epigenomics' portfolio of proprietary DNA methylation technologies and biomarkers protected by more than 150 patent families through research products, 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.