SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Applied Imaging Corp.
(Nasdaq: AICX) announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) has
issued a patent to the Company for the detection and simultaneous analysis of
cells. This patent protects techniques developed by the Company, and
available in its MDS(TM) system, to detect targeted cells, such as cancer and
fetal cells, and to analyze simultaneously the gene and protein expression in
these cells using both brightfield and fluorescence microscopy.
The use of brightfield and fluorescence technologies together allows the
analysis of cellular proteins while simultaneously determining which genes
within that cell have been activated or expressed. Both protein and gene
expression data are emerging as required parameters when assessing the precise
nature of a number of diseases, including cancer. Gene expression data,
obtained using fluorescence, are also increasingly being used to guide the
selection of appropriate therapies.
Applied Imaging CEO Dr. Jack Goldstein stated, "We are very pleased that
the PTO has granted this patent. These innovative techniques are incorporated
in our MDS(TM) automated imaging system and allow the system to perform rapid,
multiparametric analyses of cancer cells to detect and more precisely
characterize the cancers. The availability of a system such as the MDS(TM)
should help physicians in making a more accurate diagnosis in a timely and
cost-efficient manner."
"With this patent, we believe that we are extending our lead in the
identification and genetic characterization of clinically-significant cells,
including cancer cells. We received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in the third quarter of 2000 to market our MDS(TM) system
for detecting micrometastatic cells associated with the spread of cancer. The
MDS(TM) was cleared by the FDA for in vitro diagnostic use as an aid to
pathologists in the detection and classification of specific rare cancer cells
in bone marrow specimens," concluded Goldstein.
Patent Information
Patent No. 6,169,816 entitled "Identification of Objects of Interest Using
Multiple Illumination Schemes and Finding Overlap of Features in Corresponding
Multiple Images" was issued on January 2, 2001 by the PTO.
MDS System
The MDS(TM) System is an advanced scanning microscopy system that uses
brightfield techniques to detect targeted cancer cells in concentrations as
low as one cell among one million other cells. Once detected, the MDS(TM)
utilizes proprietary fluorescence analysis software for the analysis of
multiple genetic markers within individual cells or in tissue sections taken
from primary tumors. The ability to detect and analyze multiple genetic
markers simultaneously allows researchers to develop panels of genetic tests
that may be used to select treatments and monitor individual patient responses
to therapy.
About Applied Imaging
Applied Imaging Corp., based in Santa Clara, California, is the leading
supplier of automated imaging systems utilized in genetics and pathology
laboratories for the analysis of chromosomes in cancer and prenatal disorders.
The Company is expanding its efforts in scanning and imaging applications in
the cancer pathology field. Applied Imaging has installed over 2000 systems
in 1000 laboratories in more than 35 countries.
For more information about Applied Imaging, please visit the company's web
site at http://www.aicorp.com .
This press release contains forward looking statements as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding, among other
matters, the Company's future financial performance as well as its research
and development and product development efforts. Forward looking statements
address matters that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties,
including the uncertainty of clinical studies and regulatory approvals.
Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statement as a result of a number of factors including the
failure of the Company to successfully develop and commercialize its
micrometastasis or genetic instrument business, and other such factors as set
forth in the Company's form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For additional information on Applied Imaging via fax, please dial
1-800-PRO-INFO, (732-544-2850 outside of the U.S.), code AICX.
SOURCE Applied Imaging Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.aicorp.com
CONTACT:
Barry Hotchkies, CFO of Applied Imaging Corp,
408-562-0250; or General, Pam Roberts, Investors, James Hoyne, of
the Financial Relations Board, 415-986-1591
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