Preclinical Trials Begun in Europe
SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Applied Imaging Corp.
(Nasdaq: AICX) announced today that it has signed an exclusive supply
agreement with StemCell Technologies, Inc. for use of their novel
RosetteSep(TM) reagent technology in the isolation of circulating tumor cells
in the blood of cancer patients. The development of such an assay for
circulating tumor cells could revolutionize the way clinicians diagnose and
monitor cancer patients.
The RosetteSep(TM) technique, which utilizes StemCell's patented
tetrameric antibody complex (TAC) technology, rapidly enriches circulating
tumor cells directly from samples of cancer patients' whole blood. When used
in conjunction with the Applied Imaging MDS(TM) multiparameter cellular
analysis system, RosetteSep(TM) could enable clinicians to systematically
isolate and analyze cancer cells present in the blood of cancer patients.
Preclinical trials of the combined RosetteSep(TM)/MDS(TM) method have begun in
two major European cancer centers among separate groups of breast cancer and
colorectal cancer patients.
Applied Imaging President and CEO, Carl Hull stated, "It is becoming
evident that circulating tumor cells may be found in the blood of significant
numbers of cancer patients. The availability of an automated system to detect
these cells may allow for improved therapy selection, more precise monitoring
of patient responses to therapy and the earliest possible detection of disease
recurrence."
According to Dr. Allen Eaves, President of StemCell Technologies,
"StemCell is very excited to be working with a leader in the development of
such an important cancer cell detection technology that has the potential to
positively impact so many people's lives. We believe Applied Imaging's MDS(TM)
system is a perfect match for our RosetteSep(TM) cell separation technology in
enabling the rapid enrichment and accurate detection of circulating tumor
cells. This exclusive supply arrangement will ensure that Applied Imaging will
be able to capitalize on the synergies between our two systems."
Hull added, "The unique combination of StemCell Technologies' and Applied
Imaging's systems for tumor cell enrichment and detection have yielded highly
sensitive early results that are exciting when compared with alternate
technologies such as magnetic particle separations. We believe that a highly
sensitive detection system is necessary to develop this market for
instruments, cell enrichment kits and reagents to its estimated potential of
greater than $500 million in annual sales. The number of cancer patients
worldwide that could benefit from earlier detection of spreading cancer is
significant. In the U.S. alone, there are over 6 million survivors of the most
common solid tumors. We are pleased to be working with one of the leading
companies in cell separation technology to deliver this important tool for
cancer cell detection. Our unique solution may contribute significantly to the
growth of recurrent revenue streams for both companies."
Under the terms of the agreement, StemCell Technologies will exclusively
supply Applied Imaging with RosetteSep(TM) tumor enrichment products and
technology for clinical use in the isolation of tumor cells circulating in
peripheral blood. Applied Imaging can market, sell and incorporate
RosetteSep(TM) products into its own products.
About StemCell Technologies
StemCell Technologies is a privately owned, market-driven biotechnology
company located in Vancouver, British Columbia. StemCell provides specialized
media and cell separation products that support medical research in areas such
as cancer, hematology, immunology, cell transplantation and gene therapy.
StemCell's patented TAC technology is used in RosetteSep(TM) to specifically
target unwanted cells in a sample of whole blood and link them to multiple red
blood cells, enabling their rapid removal in a simple density centrifugation
step and the efficient enrichment of the particular cell population of
interest, including circulating tumor cells.
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.
About the MDS(TM) 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 in the future to select treatments and monitor individual
patient responses to therapy.
This press release contains forward looking statements as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding, among other
matters, Applied Imaging'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 Applied Imaging to successfully develop and commercialize its
micrometastasis or genetic instrument business, potentially unacceptable
results from its preclinical and clinical trials of tumor cell enrichment
methods and other such factors as set forth in Applied Imaging's Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2000 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, or 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,
408-562-0250; or General, Pam Roberts, or Investor Contact, James
Hoyne, both of The Financial Relations Board BSMG Worldwide,
415-986-1591
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