Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. Announces Issuance of European Patent Covering a Method for Aiding Bladder Cancer Diagnosis
FREMONT, Calif., May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. today announced that the European Patent Office (EPO) has issued EU Patent No. 1 354 203, entitled "Biomarkers of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder," for aiding in bladder cancer diagnosis when used in conjunction with the current standard of care -- cystoscopy (a diagnostic procedure that uses a scope to view the bladder). The patent describes using mass spectrometry to detect certain protein biomarkers that are present in patients with bladder cancer versus patients who do not have bladder cancer. These discoveries were made under a collaborative agreement between Ciphergen and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Ciphergen retains exclusive rights to these discoveries for diagnostic development.
"The issuance of this patent is another example of Ciphergen's growing intellectual property portfolio and the productivity of our collaborations, which continue to support the expansion of our high-value diagnostic development programs," said Gail S. Page, Chief Executive Officer of Ciphergen Biosystems. "In collaboration with our partners, we continue to generate promising biomarker data that may be useful for aiding physicians in cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, or prediction of recurrence."
About Bladder Cancer
The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 67,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in the United States (about 50,040 men and 17,120 women) in 2007. An estimated 13,750 deaths from bladder cancer will occur this year in the United States (about 9,630 men and 4,120 women).
About Ciphergen
Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Ciphergen, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has ongoing diagnostic programs in oncology/hematology, cardiology and women's health with an initial focus in ovarian cancer. Based in Fremont, California, more information about Ciphergen can be found on the web at http://www.ciphergen.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and others that can be found in Ciphergen's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, and in Ciphergen's periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Ciphergen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The scientific information discussed in this news release is preliminary and investigative. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those Ciphergen projects. Discovery or identification of new protein biomarkers cannot be guaranteed and movement beyond the discovery of biomarkers to a test that successfully screens patients for cancer is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that the identification of potential diagnostic markers will be successful or be an appropriate basis for a commercially available diagnostic kit for identifying cancer.
NOTE: Ciphergen is a registered trademark of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.CONTACT: Sue Carruthers, Investor Relations of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.,+1-510-505-2233; or media, Lori Murray of WeissComm Partners,+1-415-946-1070, for Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
Web site: http://www.ciphergen.com//