EANS-News: Epigenomics Signs Distribution Deal with DATEKS for Epi proColon in Turkey
BERLIN and SEATTLE, October 28, 2010 (euro adhoc) -
Second distributor to be signed-up for Epi proColon - more expected to come shortly
Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Company Information/Molecular diagnostics
Subtitle: Second distributor to be signed-up for Epi proColon - more expected to come shortly
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 pr@epigenomics.com 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.
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Tel: +49 30 24345 368
achim.plum@epigenomics.com
Branche: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A0BVT96
WKN: A0BVT9
Index: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
Börsen: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Berlin / free trade
Hamburg / free trade
Stuttgart / free trade
Düsseldorf / free trade
München / free trade