SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ --
Applied Imaging Corp. (Nasdaq: AICX) announced that it has received a European
patent for the isolation and enrichment of rare cells from blood samples. The
technology is used to isolate rare cells, such as circulating tumor cells or
fetal cells, from blood samples and to provide enriched samples for further
analyses. The Company's proprietary MDS(TM) system adds the capability to
further identify and characterize these rare cells, providing important
clinical information to the physician. The patented technology complements the
circulating tumor cell isolation procedure that the Company is currently
evaluating in pre-clinical trials in Europe.
Applied Imaging CEO Carl Hull stated, "We are very pleased to have
received another patent, adding to our portfolio of more than 25 patents
issued worldwide. The isolation of circulating tumor cells in the blood of
cancer patients, when used with an automated imaging system to detect very
rare cellular events, may allow for, improved therapy selection, more precise
monitoring of patient responses to therapy and the earliest possible detection
of disease recurrence."
"We estimate that the circulating tumor cell market for instruments, cell
enrichment kits and reagents could exceed $500 million in annual sales,"
continued Mr. Hull. "The number of cancer patients worldwide that could
benefit from earlier detection of spreading cancer is significant."
Applied Imaging's MDS System is an advanced scanning microscopy system
that detects targeted cancer cells in concentrations as low as one cell among
one million other cells. Once detected, the MDS utilizes proprietary
fluorescence analysis software for the genetic characterization of these
cells.
Patent Information
Patent No. EP 0739229B1 entitled "Density gradient medium for separating
cells" issued by the European Patent Office.
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 has installed over 2000 imaging systems in 1000 laboratories in
more than 35 countries. Applied Imaging markets a range of clinical and
research imaging systems for fluorescence and brightfield microscopy
applications, including the Company's MDS(TM), CytoVision(R), PowerGene(R) and
QUIPS(R) product lines.
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding the circulating
tumor cell market size 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.
Additional risks and uncertainties are in the Company's form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2000 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
For additional information please contact Applied Imaging, the Financial
Relations Board 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
Corp., +1-408-562-0250; or investors and media, Liz Saghi, or
general, Pam Roberts, both of Financial Relations Board,
+1-415-986-1591, for Applied Imaging Corp.
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