Berlin (Germany) and Germantown, MD (U.S.A), October 27, 2014 - Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX, OTCQX: EPGNY), the German-American cancer molecular diagnostics company, today announced the publication of the results of a trial assessing the impact of a noninvasive blood-based test on patient adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The peerreviewed article titled “Improving compliance to colorectal cancer screening using blood- and stool-based tests in patients refusing screening colonoscopy in Germany” was published in the journal BMC Gastroenterology (BMC Gastroenterology 2014, 14:183 doi:10.1186/1471-230X- 14-183). The study was conducted by Dr. Andreas Adler and his team at the Charité in Berlin, Germany.
The study was designed to assess the willingness of patients to undergo CRC screening, and the impact of offering a blood-based test (Epi proColon 2.0®) as a screening alternative to stool-based tests after refusing colonoscopy. The study reported patient actions (which test was performed) and survey results from the patients to assess underlying reasons for their choices. In this study, 63 of 172 subjects (37%) were compliant to screening colonoscopy, one of the currently recommended methods for routine screening. Of the 109 subjects (63%) who refused colonoscopy screening 90 (83%) selected a Septin9 blood test, 16 (15%) had a stool-based test, and 3 (3%) refused any testing. Reasons for blood test preference included convenience of an office blood draw, overall convenience and less time consuming procedure.
“We are very pleased to see that, when offered, a blood-based alternative colorectal cancer screening test like our Epi proColon® is an option that patients are willing to do,” explained Dr. Thomas Taapken, CEO/CFO of Epigenomics. “Since participation in CRC screening programs remains suboptimal, we are convinced that a blood-based test like Epi proColon® could significantly increase participation rates, considering that blood-testing is routine and well accepted for many other health conditions. This is crucial, since CRC has a very good prognosis if detected early.”
Contact Epigenomics AG Antje Zeise, Manager IR | PR Epigenomics AG Geneststraße 5 10829 Berlin Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 386 ir@epigenomics.com www.epigenomics.com For US press inquiries: Epigenomics, Inc. 20271 Goldenrod Lane, Suite 2027 Germantown, Maryland 20876 pr@epigenomics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company developing and commercializing a pipeline of proprietary products for cancer. The Company’s products enable doctors to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately, leading to improved outcomes for patients. Epigenomics’ lead product, Epi proColon®, is a blood-based test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is currently marketed in Europe and is under regulatory review by the FDA for the U.S.A. and the Chinese Food and Drug Administration for China. Additionally, the Company markets its tissue assay for use in lung cancer diagnosis, Epi proLung®, in Europe. The Company’s technology and products have been validated through multiple partnerships with leading global diagnostic companies and testing laboratories. Epigenomics is an international company with operations in Europe and the U.S.A.
Epigenomics legal 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. The information contained in this communication does not constitute nor imply an offer to sell or transfer any product, and no product based on this technology is currently available for sale by Epigenomics in the United States or Canada. The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the U.S. have not been established.
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