TUCSON, Ariz., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VMSI), a leading supplier of automated instrument reagent systems to
histology and drug discovery labs worldwide, today announced that the initial
results of a recent study to correlate Pap smear results with histology,
clinical follow-up and HPV detection support the clinical utility of Ventana's
INFORM(R) Human Papillomarvirus (HPV) High Risk and Low Risk Probes.
"We are very excited and encouraged with the results from the first major
study comparing the INFORM(R) HPV High Risk and Low Risk probes with the
current standard of care. The study results offer much promise in terms of
the clinical utility of our in-situ test and it is our intention to continue
to enlist further studies designed to support clinicians and oncologists in
providing information that leads to improved patient care. This is completely
in line with our goal of 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 overall quality of patient care,"
said Christopher Gleeson, Ventana's president and chief executive officer.
These probes are the first automated slide-based applications for HPV DNA
detection and allow physicians to see actual cell morphology when looking at
cervical samples. Visualization of the cells and the surrounding tissues is
important in determining which patients are at greater risk. Traditional
tests primarily detect the presence of the HPV virus without regard to its
location in the cell. By not distinguishing on the basis of cellular
location, traditional tests could give a positive test result, even though
there may be little likelihood of progression to cancer.
Supporting clinical data was presented by Dr. Geetha Menezes at the 14th
International Congress of Cytology in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on May 30,
2001 from a data abstract co-authored by internationally renowned HPV expert
Dr. Gerard Nuovo and Dr. Menezes, both of Ohio State University in Columbus,
Ohio.
Dr. Nuovo stated, "The results of this study support the clinical utility
of testing for HPV by in-situ hybridization in predicting which women with
ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) are at high risk
and, as importantly, low risk for SIL (Unequivocal Squamous Intraepithelial
Lesion) and as a quality control test for Pap smears initially diagnosed as
within normal limits that actually contained dysplastic cells." Regarding
normal Pap smears, the study demonstrated high specificity, meaning INFORM(R)
HPV correctly identified 100 percent of the normal patients as normal. "We
look forward to continuing our research and further correlating the clinical
utility of in-situ testing in the pathogenesis of HPV infection," added
Dr. Nuovo.
Dr. Thomas Grogan, chief scientific and medical officer and founder of
Ventana observed during his presentation on "Automation in Molecular Marker
Studies" that "the current manual methods of in-situ hybridization for
detection of mRNA and DNA are highly variable, labor-demanding and time-
consuming" and that "overall, automated in-situ hybridization holds promise
for adding molecular markers and viral detection for the improved detection of
cervical cancer while simultaneously reducing variability and time to
diagnosis."
The INFORM(R) HPV ASR is a recent addition to the menu available for the
fully automated BenchMark(TM) system. Other menu items include a HER-2/neu
gene test used in conjunction with the company's recently FDA-approved PATHWAY
test for the HER2/neu protein.
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, 2000, 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, Inc., 520-690-3557, or Analyst, Kathy
Brunson of The Financial Relations Board BSMG Worldwide,
312-640-6696
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