SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Applied Imaging Corp. (Nasdaq: AICX) announced that it has received a U.S.
patent with claims that protect a method for the simultaneous analysis of both
gene and protein expression within the same cell. This patented technology,
combined with the Company's proprietary OncoPath(TM) image analysis systems,
is expected to provide an important new method of obtaining clinical
information for physicians. Though researchers and clinicians have often
cited the potential benefits of co-expression analysis for the detection and
characterization of diseases such as cancer, attempts to perform this type of
analysis have been inefficient and the results often inaccurate.
"We are very excited about the potential range of applications for this
new technology," stated Applied Imaging CEO, Carl Hull. "An example of the
use of this technique may be to simultaneously distinguish malignant cells
from normal cells by their protein expression patterns and to then detect and
characterize genetic abnormalities within only those malignant cells.
Potential benefits to physicians and their patients from this expanded and
more precise diagnostic information include improved selection of candidates
for specific therapies and a better understanding of the progression of
disease and its response to various treatments."
Gene and protein expression analyses are commonly used to detect specific
cellular abnormalities, such as the presence or absence of a particular
segment of DNA or the excess production of a particular protein in diseased
tissue. These changes within cells are often associated with the development
of cancer and other diseases. Current oncology research is focused on the
development of therapies that precisely target specific cellular
abnormalities, with notable successes thus far in the selection and treatment
of patients with breast cancer and leukemia.
Applied Imaging's OncoPath(TM) systems (Ariol(TM), MDS(TM) and SPOT(TM))
provide advanced scanning microscopy capabilities that detect targeted cancer
cells in concentrations as low as one cell among one million other cells.
Once detected, the systems utilize proprietary analysis software for the
characterization of both genes and proteins in these cells.
Patent Information
Patent No. 6,524,798 entitled "High efficiency methods for combined
immunocytochemistry and in-situ hybridization" has been issued by the United
States Patent and Trademark Office. This is the 36th patent Applied Imaging
has received worldwide.
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 markets a range of clinical and research imaging systems for
fluorescence and brightfield microscopy applications, including the Company's
Ariol(TM), MDS(TM), SPOT(TM), CytoVision(R), PowerGene(R) and QUIPS(R) product
lines. Applied Imaging has installed in excess of 3,000 systems in over 1,000
laboratories in more than 60 countries.
This press release contains forward looking statements as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding the potential
benefits and uses and the competitive advantage that may result from the
issuance of the patent announced in this Press Release. Forward looking
statements address matters that are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including the Company's ability to commercialize the
newly-patented technology and compete effectively with various other
companies, some of which have greater resources than does the Company.
Further information on potential risk factors that could affect the Company,
its business and its forecasts are detailed in the Company's periodic filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to,
those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
-- Factors Affecting Future Results," in Applied Imaging's annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as amended, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made
as of March 20, 2003 and Applied Imaging is under no obligation to revise or
update the forward-looking statements.
For additional information on Applied Imaging, visit the Company's Web
site at http://www.aicorp.com.
SOURCE Applied Imaging Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.aicorp.com
CONTACT:
Barry Hotchkies, CFO of Applied Imaging
Corp., +1-408-562-0250; or James Hoyne of FRB/Weber Shandwick,
+1-310-407-6546, for Applied Imaging Corp.
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