FREMONT, Calif., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vermillion, Inc. , a molecular diagnostics company, today announced that it has formed a clinical steering committee to advise the company on clinical development and commercialization efforts for its novel peripheral artery disease (PAD) blood test. In collaboration with researchers at Stanford University, Vermillion is working to develop a novel blood test that will help determine an individual's risk of developing PAD, a serious disease estimated to affect up to 12 million Americans. Left untreated, the disease can lead to a high risk for myocardial infarction, stroke, and even death.
The steering committee will provide strategic scientific guidance regarding the development of a clinical trial to support registration of the PAD test with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"Each of these distinguished committee members brings strong scientific expertise and unparalleled leadership in vascular medicine and we are privileged to have them serve on our clinical steering committee," said Eric Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Vermillion's Chief Scientific Officer and member of the steering committee. "We believe the formation of this committee will help Vermillion remain at the forefront in the development and commercialization of a blood test for PAD. This serves as yet another milestone in our ongoing effort to provide high-value products backed by rigorous clinical studies."
"PAD is a serious disease that often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed too far and requires surgical intervention," said Dr. John Cooke, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University whose research has formed the basis of the Vermillion PAD blood test and who is a member of the steering committee. "A blood test that identifies people at risk for this debilitating condition could significantly change how PAD is diagnosed and managed. As a member of this newly formed committee, it is my hope to provide Vermillion with sound scientific counsel that will ultimately help in advancing its PAD diagnostic program to the next level."
About Vermillion
Vermillion, 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. Vermillion, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has ongoing diagnostic programs in oncology, hematology, cardiology and women's health with an initial focus on ovarian cancer. Vermillion is based in Fremont, California. Additional information about Vermillion can be found on the Web at http://www.vermillion.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in Vermillion's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and Vermillion's periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Vermillion is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from Vermillion's current expectations. You are encouraged to read Vermillion's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available at http://www.sec.gov and http://www.vermillion.com under "Investor Relations."
CONTACT: Investors, Sue Carruthers of Vermillion, Inc., +1-510-505-2233,
or Media, Kate Ferguson of WeissComm Partners, +1-415-946-1059, for
Vermillion, Inc.
Web site: http://www.vermillion.com/
