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Epigenomics AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous 2015-07-15 / 12:00 Press release Epigenomics and BioChain Announce the Inclusion of their Proprietary Blood-based Septin9 Test in the Chinese Screening Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Berlin (Germany), Germantown, MD, and Newark, CA (U.S.A.), Beijing (China), July 15, 2015 – Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX, OTCQX: EPGNY), the German-American cancer molecular diagnostics company, and BioChain, an early cancer diagnostic company with operations in both USA and China and Epigenomics’ exclusive strategic commercialization partner in China, today announced that testing based on the proprietary Septin9 biomarker was included in the Chinese Guideline on Screening, Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Colorectal Cancer (CRC). The guideline, recently officially published in the Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy (2015, issue.6 Vol.32, page 341-360), is defined by the Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopy of the Chinese Medical Association and the Oncologic Endoscopic Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. The guideline recommends the ‘plasma Septin9 gene DNA methylation assay (mSEPT9)’ and the ‘fecal occult blood test’ as the standard tests for early CRC screening. It is clearly stated that ‘the Septin9 DNA methylation assay has obtained the approval from the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) with a sensitivity of 74.8% and a specificity of 97.5%, and it can be used for clinical early detection and diagnosis of CRC’. More than 50 experts from digestive endoscopy, surgery, oncology, pathological and other disciplines jointly compiled the guideline, which is supported by 161 publications. As the first CE-marked and CFDA-approved product in clinical methylation gene detection in China, Epigenomics’ blood-based Septin9 test Epi proColon(R) has a strong level of patent protection in several jurisdictions globally, including China, where both the marker itself and the technology used for its detection are widely protected by granted and pending patents. Both parties, BioChain and Epigenomics remain highly committed to take all necessary steps to enforce these IP rights that will protect and strengthen BioChain’s market exclusivity in China. Grace Tian, CEO of BioChain, commented: “We are delighted by the decision to include the Septin9 test in the screening guidelines, which allows us to address CRC detection in China with our blood-based Septin9 test Epi proColon(R). The guideline is defined by 50 renowned Chinese specialists and further emphasizes the importance of improving early cancer screening, diagnosis and intervention. This is a major milestone to reach a consensus on the strategy of CRC prevention and diagnosis, and to ensure effective screening and early diagnosis of CRC.” “We are extremely pleased that the Septin9 test, the underlying principle of Epigenomics’ key blood-based product Epi proColon(R), has been included in the Chinese screening guideline”, added Epigenomics’ CEO/CFO Dr. Thomas Taapken. “We are convinced that an early detection of the disease through the Septin9 test will help to reduce the mortality and costs of care associated with CRC in China.” In accordance with various international guidelines, nearly 290 million people are currently eligible for CRC screening in China and effective testing methods that are accepted by patients are needed. CRC is a rapidly growing medical problem. In a recently published report, the independent market research firm Decision Resources estimates that the number of incident cases of CRC in urban areas of China will almost double between 2012 and 2022. As this is demanding for better, simple to use and affordable screening methods, the Chinese government has elected CRC screening as one of its key focus areas in cancer prevention. About Epigenomics Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company developing and commercializing innovative products for cancer. The Company’s products enable doctors to diagnose cancer earlier and more accurately, leading to improved outcomes for patients. Epigenomics’ lead product, Epi proColon(R), is a blood-based test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is currently marketed in Europe, has received approval by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration for China and is under regulatory review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, the Company markets its tissue assay for use in lung cancer diagnosis, Epi proLung(R), in Europe. The Company’s technology and products have been validated through multiple partnerships with leading global diagnostic companies and testing laboratories. Epigenomics is an international company with operations in Europe and the U.S.A. About BioChain BioChain (www.biochain.com, www.biochainbj.com) is an international biotech company devoted to research in early stage cancer diagnosis and intervention for over 20 years, BioChain’s reagent and assay products used for cancer diagnosis and drug development are well known around the world. BioChain focuses on research and collaboration in early cancer diagnosis in digestive and respiratory systems. BioChain (Beijing) 博尔诚, part of the BioChain Group, is a diagnostics company specializing in R&D, clinical application, production, and commercialization of cancer and hereditary diagnostic products targeted for the Chinese market. BioChain China is committed to provide accurate, simple and affordable products including DNA methylation and immunology blood tests for colorectal, gastric and lung cancer. In an exclusive partnership with Epigenomics, BioChain has introduced and localized a blood test for the early detection of colon cancer via methylated Septin9 DNA. Contact Epigenomics Antje Zeise, Manager IR | PR
For US press inquiries: Epigenomics, Inc. Epigenomics legal disclaimer 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 or Canada. The analytical and clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics product based on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the U.S. have not been established.
2015-07-15 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. |
| Language: | English | |
| Company: | Epigenomics AG | |
| Geneststraße 5 | ||
| 10829 Berlin | ||
| Germany | ||
| Phone: | +49 30 24345-0 | |
| Fax: | +49 30 24345-555 | |
| E-mail: | ir@epigenomics.com | |
| Internet: | www.epigenomics.com | |
| ISIN: | DE000A11QW50 | |
| WKN: | A11QW5 | |
| Listed: | Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Munich, Stuttgart | |
| End of News | DGAP News-Service |
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