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EANS-News: Epigenomics Signs Distribution Deal with DATEKS for Epi proColon in Turkey
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Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely
responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Subtitle: Second distributor to be signed-up for Epi proColon - more expected to
come shortly
BERLIN and SEATTLE, October 28, 2010 (euro adhoc) - Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt
Prime Standard: ECX), the cancer diagnostics company, today announced that they
have signed an exclusive distributor agreement with Turkish DATEKS Company Ltd
for the commercialization of Epigenomics' Epi proColon test in Turkey.
Epi proColon is the world's first CE-marked molecular diagnostic test for the
early detection of colorectal cancer in blood. The test uses Epigenomics'
proprietary colorectal cancer biomarker Septin9 in blood plasma. DATEKS expects
to begin marketing the test in Turkey in the next few weeks.
Cancer is a major threat to public health in Turkey. It is the second biggest
cause of death in the country preceded only by cardiovascular disease. Despite
the establishment of Cancer Early Diagnosis and Screening Centers (KETEM) in
most provinces and the introduction of colorectal cancer screening standards by
the Turkish Ministry of Health in 2009, screening participation is still low.
Current screening guidelines propose stool testing at two year intervals and
colonoscopy every ten years for men and women aged between 50 and 70 but very
few people make use of these options. This has severe consequences as colorectal
cancer is highly curable when detected at an early still localized stage.
Survival chances, however, diminish once the tumor has spread to distant organs
and the disease has become obvious with patients showing symptoms.
"Epi proColon facilitates the early detection of colorectal cancer, making
screening easier and more patient-friendly than ever," Süha Dere, Chief
Executive Officer of DATEKS explained. "As a blood test, it is a simple and
clean solution for the patients. Importantly, it can be performed at any time as
it does not require any preparation of the screened individual. We believe that
this test can help significantly to drive acceptance of colorectal cancer early
detection in the Turkish population."
"With DATEKS we have found a very committed exclusive distributor for the
Turkish market," commented Geert Nygaard, Chief Executive Officer of
Epigenomics. "Going forward DATEKS will be an important partner in our
continuously growing distributor network for our Epi proColon product"
Epi proColon is currently marketed by Epigenomics directly in Germany, Austria
and Switzerland. Outside this home market, it is Epigenomics' strategy to make
the CE-marked test broadly available through a mix of direct commercialization
and a distributor network.
Contact Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Epigenomics AG
Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368
[email protected]
www.epigenomics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics AG is a molecular diagnostics company with a focus on the
development of novel products for cancer. Using DNA methylation biomarkers,
Epigenomics' tests on the market and in development for colorectal, lung, and
prostate cancer aim at aiding in an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of these
diseases thereby potentially increasing the patient's chances of survival.
For development and global commercialization of IVD test products, Epigenomics
pursues a dual business strategy in which direct commercialization of
proprietary diagnostic test products is combined with non-exclusive licensing to
diagnostic industry players with broad customer access. Strategic diagnostics
industry partners include Abbott Molecular, Sysmex Corporation, Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated, ARUP Laboratories, Inc., and Warnex Laboratories, Inc.
for diagnostics test products and services, and QIAGEN N.V. for sample
preparation solutions and research products.
The company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a wholly owned
subsidiary, Epigenomics Inc., in Seattle, WA, USA. For more information, please
visit Epigenomics' website at www.epigenomics.com
About DATEKS
DATEKS LTD. (www.dateks.com) is a pioneer in the distribution of products for
cell culture, molecular biology, and genetics in Turkey. DATEKS successfully
represents, among others, companies like Greiner Bio-One, Biochrom, AppliChem,
and Machery-Nagel some of which distribute their products in Turkey through
DATEKS for more than 20 years. While the focus initially was on products for the
research market, DATEKS since 2009 increasingly serves the diagnostics market.
The company is headquartered in Ankara with branch offices in Istanbul, Izmir,
and Antalya.
Notes for editors
Epi proColon
Epi proColon, developed by Epigenomics, is a CE-marked test kit for the
detection of methylated DNA of the Septin9 gene in blood plasma. This Septin9
biomarker has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be closely associated
with the presence of colorectal cancer and may aid in the detection of this
common cancer. Septin9 is one of the best and most systematically validated
biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal cancer today. In particular,
the recent PRESEPT Study was a successful prospective evaluation of Epi proColon
detection of methylated Septin9 in a cohort of about 8,000 individuals
representative of a typical screening population.
Epigenomics' legal disclaimers. 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 of America.
The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any product based on
this technology which may be sold at some future time in the USA have not been
established.
Further inquiry note:
Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Tel: +49 30 24345 368
[email protected]
end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: Epigenomics AG
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1
D-10178 Berlin
phone: +49 30 24345-0
FAX: +49 30 24345-555
mail: [email protected]
WWW: www.epigenomics.com
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A0BVT96, DE000A0XFWF2
indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, München
language: English
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