NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Xenomics, Inc. , the source of next-generation medical DNA diagnostic tests, today announced that it has developed a proprietary test for the detection of NPM gene mutations, a recently discovered genetic marker for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Xenomics already holds the exclusive license for the use of that marker.
“The NPM genetic marker is critically important to physicians because it can provide a diagnostic tool to identify an especially aggressive form of AML much more rapidly and effectively than conventional techniques,” commented Dr. David Tomei, CEO and Co-Founder of Xenomics. “This test developed by Xenomics is capable of detecting all known NPM mutations in DNA from bone marrow or blood cells of AML patients in one reaction with high sensitivity and specificity. We are now preparing to move this test into the clinical setting.”
This genetic marker for AML, which was discovered by Drs. Cristina Mecucci and Brunangelo Falini, collaborators at the Institute of Hematology at the University of Perugia in Italy and licensed by Xenomics, is important for diagnostic accuracy, prognosis, and monitoring of the disease.
“This newly discovered marker is a major advance in the diagnosis of AML and the development of this test by Xenomics is very exciting news,” said Dr. Riccardo Della-Favera, Director of the Institute for Cancer Genetics at the Columbia University Health Sciences Division.
About Xenomics, Inc.
Xenomics is a molecular diagnostic company that focuses on the development of DNA-based tests using transrenal DNA. Xenomics’ patented technology uses safe and simple urine specimens and is being applied to a broad range of applications including detection and monitoring of infectious diseases, tumor detection and therapeutic monitoring, stem cell transplantation monitoring, and prenatal genetic testing. Scientists from Xenomics were the first to discover that fragments of DNA from cells throughout the body can cross the kidney barrier and be readily detected in small urine specimens. The Company believes that its transrenal DNA technology will open significant new markets in the molecular diagnostics field and provide a new generation of molecular diagnostic tests. Xenomics’ issued U.S. patents protect an array of applications for molecular diagnostics and genetic testing. The Company has been joined by the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (Istituto Nazionale per la Malattie Infettive “Lazarus Spallanzani”) in Rome, in formation of a research and development company called SpaXen Italia, S.R.L, where clinical researchers are focused on transrenal DNA diagnostics for a variety of infectious diseases. For additional information, please visit http://www.xenomics.com. Xenomics’ stock trades under the symbol XNOM.OB and is also listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol XE7.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are forward looking. Such statements are indicated by words such as “expect,” “might,” “should,” “anticipate” and similar words indicating uncertainty in facts and figures. Although Xenomics believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. As discussed in Xenomics’ Form 10-KSB as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2006, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the following factors, among others: uncertainties associated with product development, the risk that Xenomics will not obtain approval to market its products, the risk that Xenomics’ technology will not gain market acceptance, the risks associated with dependence upon key personnel, and the need for additional financing.
Contact: Xenomics, Inc. L. David Tomei 212-297-0808 ldtomei@xenomics.comhttp://www.xenomics.com
Xenomics, Inc.
CONTACT: L. David Tomei of Xenomics, Inc., +1-212-297-0808,ldtomei@xenomics.com
Web site: http://www.xenomics.com/
