FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vermillion, Inc. today announced that the Company and its collaborators will present multiple studies on Vermillion's ovarian cancer diagnostics program at the 15th International Meeting of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) in Berlin, Germany, October 28 - November 1, 2007. Data will showcase the Company's ovarian cancer triage test, which is designed to distinguish between benign and malignant pelvic masses. Presentations will also be made on the use of protein biomarkers to predict survival in patients with ovarian cancer and as potential tools to improve diagnosis of early-stage disease.
"The presentations at ESGO highlight the significant body of data validating the use of the biomarkers in our ovarian cancer diagnostics program," stated Eric T. Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Vermillion, Inc. "With enrollment completed for our ovarian cancer triage test trial, we are now conducting the data analysis and look forward to reporting top-line data results in December and preparing a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for in vitro diagnostic clearance."
The following oral presentation will take place on Monday, October 29, 2007, from 4:30-6:00pm during the Scientific Session entitled Translational Research 1: Ovarian Cancer:
Searching for Novel Serum Biomarkers of Ovarian Cancer Using Equalizer Bead Technology
Collaborators: University of College London
The following poster presentations will take place on Monday, October 29, 2007 during the session entitled Topic B1: Ovarian Cancer - Clinical Studies:
Biomarkers for Ovarian Malignancy in Cyst Fluids
Collaborators: Sahlgrenska University Hospital
The following poster presentations will take place on Monday, October 29, 2007 during the session entitled Topic B2: Ovarian Cancer - Translational/Basic Research
Proteomic Markers Enhance the Sensitivity of CA125 for Detection of Stage 1 Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Collaborators: M. D Anderson Cancer Center
Validation of Seven Serum Biomarker Panel in Ovarian Cancer
Collaborators: University of College London, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology of the Danish Cancer Society and Royal Holloway College
Prospective Independent Validation of a Market Panel for Distinguishing Benign from Malignant Pelvic Masses
Collaborators: Gynecologic Clinic Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution and the Danish Cancer Society
Proteomic Profiling Identified Novel Biomarkers that Predict Survival in Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Collaborators: Danish Cancer Society and Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen
The following poster presentation will take place on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 during the session entitled Topic B2: Ovarian Cancer - Translational/Basic Research:
Urine Proteome Profiling to Discover Novel Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers
Collaborators: Copenhagen University Hospital and the Danish Cancer Society
About Vermillion's Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Program In addition to the data presented at ESGO, Vermillion has multiple ovarian cancer diagnostic tests in development. Studies are underway to predict recurrence of ovarian cancer and a test to aid physicians in identifying women considered at high risk for ovarian cancer. Vermillion has completed clinical trial enrollment for its ovarian cancer triage test. The prospective clinical trial was designed to demonstrate that the ovarian triage test is a useful adjunct for distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors.
Vermillion's comprehensive diagnostic development program is being conducted with several leading collaborators at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University College London, and the University of Kentucky.
About Ovarian Cancer
Commonly known as the "silent killer," ovarian cancer leads to approximately 15,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Approximately 20,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with the majority in patients diagnosed with late stage disease where the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. The prognosis is poor in these patients, leading to the high mortality from this disease. A diagnostic test is needed that can provide adequate predictive value to stratify patients with a pelvic mass into high risk of invasive ovarian cancer versus those with low risk, as well as a screening test for the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer, which is essential for improving overall survival in patients. Ovarian cancer has up to a 90% cure rate following surgery and/or chemotherapy if detected in stage 1.
About Vermillion, Inc.
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 in ovarian cancer. Based in Fremont, California, more 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 Dec. 31, 2006, and in 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 statement cannot be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those Vermillion projects. Discovery or identification of new protein biomarkers or the efficacy of an ovarian cancer triage test cannot be guaranteed and the ultimate outcome of our clinical trials are unknown. Future approvals by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities regarding our product candidates are uncertain. You are encouraged to read Vermillion's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, available at http://www.sec.gov.
CONTACT: Sue Carruthers of Vermillion, Inc., +1-510-505-2297; or Lori
Murray of WeissComm, Inc., +1-415-946-1070, for Vermillion
Web site: http://www.vermillion.com/
