BenchMark(TM) Automated ISH Offers 'Seeing is Believing' Advantage Over
Non-Tissue Based Tests
TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VMSI), a leading supplier of automated instrument reagent systems to
histology and drug discovery labs worldwide, today announced the launch of a
portfolio of in-situ hybridization (ISH) tests used to detect cancer and
viruses with greater speed than is currently available. Using Ventana's
BenchMark(TM), the world's most automated histology instrument for protein,
DNA and RNA testing, the new products utilize nucleic acid probe technology
such as a fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) test, useful in the
confirmation of HER-2/neu gene amplification in breast tumors and other
associated malignancies. The company also is introducing probes to detect the
presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in cytologic or
histologic specimens.
"Today, diagnosing these conditions is accomplished through protein- or
serum-based tests," said Christopher Gleeson, Ventana's president and chief
executive officer. "Our nucleic acid probe technology, performed on our new
automated BenchMark platform, will allow physicians to look at tissue
specimens, no matter what the sample size, and see where viruses or cancer
cells may be lurking. Because our probes allow physicians to look at actual
tissue samples, we use the phrase 'seeing is believing' to differentiate the
Ventana products from other protein and serum tests where tissue architecture
is destroyed."
Ventana's INFORM(R) HER-2/neu is an extremely sensitive, easy-to-read DNA
test that can supply the physician with important information on the gene
status of breast cancer patients. Ventana's recently FDA-approved PATHWAY(TM)
HER-2/neu (CB11), serves as an initial screen for the protein, and the
INFORM(R) HER-2/neu DNA test can be used to confirm those patients who fall
into the indeterminate area. Using these tests will enable breast cancer
patients to begin the most appropriate treatment quickly. The INFORM(R)
HER-2/neu product adds to Ventana's increasing portfolio of tests for women's
health that will include products for HPV testing in the near future.
CMV and EBV are simple "yes" or "no" tests for these commonly occurring
viruses. Approximately half the adult population in developed countries,
virtually all gay or bisexual men with AIDS, and 75 percent of other HIV-risk
groups have been infected with CMV. EBV occurs worldwide, and most people
become infected with EBV sometime during their lives. Ventana's probes will
help detect dormant viruses, to avoid inadvertently transplanting infected
organs, and to help determine whether viruses have passed from one person to
another, as in a mother accidentally infecting a fetus. The company expects
to launch these tests this week.
"We are committed to building the Ventana franchise in the women's health
market worldwide by providing unique diagnostic tests that will assist in
improving the practice of medicine and the quality of patient care," Gleeson
said. "The 'seeing is believing' menu of tests is a significant addition to
our franchise, and over time we will expand the menu."
This news release contains certain "forward-looking" statements and
information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking
statements, by their very nature, include risks and uncertainties.
Accordingly, the company's actual results could differ materially from those
discussed in this release. A wide variety of factors could cause or
contribute to such differences and could adversely impact revenues,
profitability, cash flows and capital needs. Such factors, many of which are
beyond the control of the company, include the following: market acceptance of
new automated histology products, continued success in asset management,
continued improvements in our manufacturing efficiencies, on-schedule launches
of our new products, currency exchange rate variability, competition and
competitive pressures on pricing and general economic conditions in the United
States and in the regions served by the company. A more complete listing of
cautionary statements and risk factors is contained in the company's report on
Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Ventana develops, manufactures and markets instrument/reagent systems that
automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug
discovery laboratories worldwide. Ventana's clinical systems are important
tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
Ventana's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new
drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds.
For more information on Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. via facsimile at no
additional cost, simply dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and enter the stock symbol "VMSI."
Visit the Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. website at http://www.ventanamed.com
The Molecular Discovery Systems Division has its own website
at http://www.ventanadiscovery.com .
SOURCE Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.ventanamed.com
CONTACT:
Christopher Gleeson, President and CEO of
Ventana Medical Systems, 520-690-3557, or Analysts, Kathy Brunson
of The Financial Relations Board, 312-640-6696
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