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New study in the BMC Cancer journal shows that Epi proColon(R) is an effective method to increase CRC screening rates in medically underserved populations

• The availability of blood based mSEPT9 tests, such as Epi proColon(R), increased the rate of testing to 93.5%, from 12.6% with fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in prior years
• Epi proColon currently is the only blood-based FDA-approved colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test
• CRC is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S., but can be reduced through regular screening

Berlin (Germany) and San Diego, CA (U.S.A.), September 2, 2021 – Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX, OTCQX: EPGNY; the “Company”) announces that a study recently published in BMC Cancer shows that blood tests, such as Epi proColon(R), can significantly increase the CRC screening rates in medically underserved populations (MUP) unwilling or unable to complete FIT or colonoscopy. For eligible participants, the rate of testing increased from 12.6% completing a FIT test the previous year to 93.5% with the blood test.

Greg Hamilton, CEO of Epigenomics AG, commented: “CRC still is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S., despite the ability to reduce it through screening. Adherence to regular screening is key to earlier CRC detection thus reducing incidence and mortality. The findings now being published are in line with a series of previously published results that blood tests can make an important contribution to reducing the number of CRC related deaths, especially in medically underserved populations which are the most vulnerable.”

In the U.S., many people are not up-to-date with CRC screening despite the available testing, with overall screening rates under 70%. This applies in particular to MUP, who share characteristics such as low income, lack of insurance or being underinsured. Although FIT has desirable characteristics for MUP, return rates are consistently low, around 10% in MUP compared to the general population. This was confirmed in the study now published. In the study, the patients were consecutively offered CRC screening by colonoscopy and FIT, according to the current guidelines for CRC screening. Only when both options were rejected, the blood test was offered. Of the 460 participants ultimately offered screening, no participant accepted the offer of colonoscopy, 30 (6.5%) chose FIT screening and 430 (93.5%) elected for mSEPT9 testing. Only two of the 30 participants who chose FIT returned the test (6.7%).

Hence, the study results show that the introduction of blood-based testing for CRC screening, when compared to FIT, has proven to be well-received by the participants, likely because of convenience and ease of testing. The result is another important contribution to the realization that FDA approved CRC screening blood tests should be incorporated into the screening paradigm, as this is a tangible solution to reduce CRC mortality.
 

About Epigenomics
Epigenomics AG is a molecular diagnostics company focused on blood testing for the early detection of cancer. Based on its proprietary biomarker technology for the detection of methylated DNA, Epigenomics develops and markets blood tests for various cancer indications with high unmet medical need. Epigenomics’ lead product is the blood test Epi proColon(R) for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Epi proColon is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is marketed in the United States and Europe as well as other selected countries. HCCBloodTest, a blood test for the detection of liver cancer, have received the CE Mark for marketing in Europe.

For further information please visit www.epigenomics.com.
 

Contact:
Company
Epigenomics AG, Geneststrasse 5, 10829 Berlin,
Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 0, Fax +49 (0) 30 24345 555, E-Mail: contact@epigenomics.com

Investor Relations
IR.on AG, Frederic Hilke, Tel +49 221 9140 970, E-Mail: ir@epigenomics.com

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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 expected 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.