TORONTO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Spectral Diagnostics Inc. today announced that it presented new findings demonstrating the clinical utility of its EAA(TM) Endotoxin Activity Assay, the only FDA cleared diagnostic for the measurement of endotoxin, at the 13th Annual Critical Care for Endotoxemia congress. The conference took place in Tokyo, Japan on February 19th and 20th, 2009 and focused on the role of endotoxemia in sepsis. In addition to Spectral's presentation, data was presented from the Italian Critical Care Nephrology Study Group showing the Toraymyxin(TM) cartridge, which removes endotoxin from the bloodstream, significantly improves organ function. Prof M. Ranieri (Turin, Italy) also presented data showing significant improvement in kidney function in septic patients when endotoxin was removed using the Toraymyxin cartridge. The first reported experience from India also showed positive results.
"This meeting attracts critical care physicians from many parts of Asia, including Korea and India. Many of the presentations at this important conference use data collected with Spectral's EAA(TM) and highlight the value of our product, both independently and in combination with anti-endotoxin therapies," said Dr. Paul Walker, President and CEO of Spectral. "Data from these studies assists us as we develop the clinical pathway for the development of our combined EAA(TM) and the Toraymyxin(TM) cartridge product in the United States."
Debra Foster, Director of Spectral's Sepsis Program, presented data on the use of EAA(TM) in the management of intra-abdominal sepsis following surgical intervention. Following the conference, these findings will be published in the Japan Journal for Critical Care for Endotoxemia.
About Spectral Diagnostics
Spectral is a developer of innovative technologies for comprehensive disease management. Spectral's lead product is its EAA(TM) Endotoxin Activity Assay, the only FDA approved diagnostic for the measurement of endotoxin. Spectral technologies provide accurate and timely information to clinicians enabling the early initiation of appropriate and targeted therapy. Spectral is listed on TSX under the symbol SDI.
Forward-looking statement
Information in this news release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws. Implicit in this information, particularly in respect of the future outlook of Spectral and anticipated events or results, are assumptions based on beliefs of Spectral's senior management as well as information currently available to it. While these assumptions were considered reasonable by Spectral at the time of preparation, they may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned that actual results are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the ability of Spectral to take advantage of business opportunities in the biomedical industry, the granting of necessary approvals by regulatory authorities as well as general economic, market and business conditions, and could differ materially from what is currently expected.
CONTACT: Dr. Paul Walker, President & CEO, (416) 626-3233 ex. 2100; Casey
Gurfinkel, Investor Relations, (416) 815-0700 ext. 283,
cgurfinkel@equicomgroup.com
