Asuragen to Present Study Results on Differentially Expressed microRNA Biomarkers in Pancreatic FNA and FFPE Specimens, Which Can Distinguish Benign from Malignant Tissues at the Annual Meeting of the European Pancreatic Club in Poland

2008-06-23 10:04:12 -

www.asuragen.com - Today the Company announced that Anna Szafranska, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, will present latest study results on microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers that distinguish benign pancreatic tissues from malignant tissues at the Joint Meeting of the European Pancreatic Club (EPC) and the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) in Lodz, Poland, June 25-28, 2008.

Dr. Szafranska's presentation will highlight the clinical relevance of miRNA biomarkers in identifying pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and how, when used in combination with an FNA biopsy procedure, these biomarkers could aid pathological evaluation of suspicious cases and become a valuable asset in definitive diagnosis of this dismal disease.

The results of the study and further clinical validation of the biomarkers have formed the basis for a new diagnostic test(a) developed by Asuragen, Inc. Pancreatic cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer present similar symptoms and can be misdiagnosed in up to 25% of patients.

About Asuragen, Inc.

Asuragen is a molecular biology service provider and fully integrated diagnostic reagent company focused on molecular oncology and the early detection of cancer, with emphasis on microRNA (miRNA). The Asuragen Pharmacogenomic Services Division provides comprehensive molecular services for DNA, mRNA, and miRNA empowering commercial and academic scientists to rapidly acquire a wide range of molecular data. Our services group possesses critical expertise in biomarker discovery, assay design and validation, clinical trial design, CLIA-based testing, project management and analysis.

Asuragen also provides a high level of expertise in diagnostic assay development, a well developed business infrastructure, and an established cGMP manufacturing facility that allow it to span the spectrum of discovery, testing, production, and commercialization. Asuragen is dedicated to developing new technologies that will lead to cutting edge clinical products. Visit our website at www.asuragen.com.

(a) This test is performed pursuant to license arrangements with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. and Applera Corporation.

Asuragen Pharmacogenomic Services
Carol Berry, 512-681-5200
V.P. and General Manager
cberry@asuragen.com