Oxford Biomedical Research Awarded National Institutes of Health (NIH) Contract to Develop Assay for Anti-inflammatory & Anticancer Efficacy Biomarker

Rochester Hills, MI, December 6, 2007 – Oxford Biomedical Research, Inc. a privately held biotechnology company located in Oakland County Michigan, has been awarded a one year Phase 1 SBIR contract by the National Institutes of Health to develop blood tests to measure the levels of a novel protein, called NAG-1, that may be a biomarker for the efficacy of anti-cancer agents.

In animal models, NAG-1 is found in increasing quantities following treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which are now recognized for their ability to significantly reduce cancer incidence in humans. The levels of this biomarker are also elevated following treatment with reseveratrol from wine and other nutritional supplements that have been reported to reduce cancer incidence in animals.

In spite of the well-documented cancer prevention activity of NSAIDs, and considerable evidence that certain nutritional supplements can reduce cancer incidence, there is presently no way to assess the impact of these agents in humans. The availability of assays for NAG-1 may allow for monitoring of the effectiveness of known anti-cancer agents and may lead to the development of novel agents.

This $100,884 contract is the 42nd NIH SBIR award for Oxford Biomedical Research, Inc. The NIH contract will be used to develop and test a prototype assay. If successful, Oxford Biomedical Research will seek Phase 2 funding to conduct trials in humans.

Oxford Biomedical Research, Inc. specializes in the development of new methods to assist biomedical and pharmaceutical research, with a primary focus on oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, two of the major risk factors that contribute to many major human illnesses including cancer and heart disease. Oxford Biomedical Research is an Oakland County Emerging Sector® company.

For More Information contact:

Dr. Denis Callewaert

Phone (800) 692-4633

General Fax (248) 852-4466

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