FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. today announced that the European Patient Office (EPO) has issued EU Patent No. 1 224 466, entitled “Prostate Cancer Marker Proteins,” for aiding in prostate cancer diagnosis. The patent describes a method that measures certain protein biomarkers that are present in the blood of patients with prostate cancer versus patients who do not have prostate cancer.
“This patent is another example of Ciphergen’s position as a leading developer of novel high-value diagnostic tests, and our intellectual property portfolio is growing in size and strength,” said Gail S. Page, Chief Executive Officer of Ciphergen Biosystems. “We continue to generate promising data for biomarkers that may be useful for prostate cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, or prediction of recurrence.”
About Ciphergen’s Prostate Cancer Development Program
Ciphergen has a diagnostic program in prostate cancer and is evaluating a panel of biomarkers as potential tests for prostate cancer diagnosis, progression and recurrence.
In May 2006, Ciphergen and Johns Hopkins reported the discovery of two biomarkers that, when combined with prostate-specific antigen (PSA), were highly predictive of likelihood of recurrence of prostate cancer. The data resulted from two studies -- one examining over 400 men with prostate cancer, and the other examining 50 pairs of men followed for five years with prostate cancer matched for age, cancer stage and other clinical parameters. These results suggest the potential for a test to 1) aid in the diagnosis of prostate cancer; 2) aid in the stratification of risk of highly aggressive prostate cancer, independent of other clinical variables; 3) reduce over-treatment of prostate cancer in cases not likely to be lethal and; 4) shift treatment to those cases that are particularly likely to be lethal.
Patent applications in the U.S. and Japan are pending. Inventors on this patent include Dr. Tai-Tung Yip, Senior Research Fellow at Ciphergen and inventor of the SELDI technology, and Christine Yip, Senior Scientist at Ciphergen.
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
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. For purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”), Ciphergen disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the continued growth of our intellectual property portfolio and the efficacy and utility of our diagnostic tests for prostate cancer diagnosis, progression and recurrence. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the possibility that future development efforts may not proceed as anticipated. Investors should consult Ciphergen’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-Q filed November 20, 2006, for further information regarding these and other risks related to the Company’s business.
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
Web site: http://www.ciphergen.com//
