Ciphergen
Biosystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIPH) today announced that its clinical
development partner Ohio State University published an article describing
the use of Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight
(SELDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for the diagnosis and clinical evaluation of
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a hematologic disease. The
article appears in the current issue of Spectroscopy.
“A diagnostic test that can rapidly determine enzyme activity is needed
to help clinicians make the correct diagnosis, initiate timely therapy and
predict the risk of the disease recurrences for patients with thrombotic
thrombocytopenic purpura, a devastating hematological disorder,” said
Haifeng M. Wu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Pathology and Medicine and
Director of Clinical Coagulation Laboratory at Ohio State University
Medical Center, author of the paper and Ciphergen collaborator. “This study
successfully illustrates the unique application of SELDI-TOF mass
spectrometry for measuring enzyme activity and evaluating auto-antibody
activity — both of which are key parameters in the pathology and
progression of TTP.”
In November 2006, Ciphergen and OSU announced a collaborative agreement
to develop and clinically validate a diagnostic test to detect TTP. Under
the terms of the agreement, and Ciphergen will optimize the assay to
measure enzyme and antibody inhibition activity, and will jointly conduct
multi-center studies to validate the test. Ciphergen Biosystems and Ohio
State University intend to validate the assay’s clinical utility using
SELDI-TOF technology across a larger patient population.
About Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
TTP is a blood disorder characterized by low platelets, low red blood
cell count (caused by premature breakdown of the cells), neurological
abnormalities and sometimes abnormalities in kidney function. In most
cases, this disease is caused by a deficiency in or auto-antibodies to an
enzyme called ADAMTS13, which cleaves von Willebrand Factor. Loss of this
enzyme causes platelet clumping and red blood cell destruction that are the
hallmarks of TTP.
About Ciphergen
Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development
and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help
physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Ciphergen,
along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has ongoing diagnostic
programs in oncology/hematology, cardiology and women’s health with an
initial focus in ovarian cancer. Based in Fremont, California, more
information about Ciphergen can be found on the Web at
ciphergen.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains
forward-looking statements. For purposes of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”), Ciphergen disclaims any intent
or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the
protection of the Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements contained in
the Act. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements
regarding the utility of using SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry for measuring
enzyme activity and evaluating auto-antibody activity and Ciphergen’s
efforts to optimize an assay for such measurements to be used in a
diagnostics test. Actual results may differ materially from those projected
in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the
possibility that Ciphergen’s efforts may not proceed as anticipated.
Investors should consult Ciphergen’s filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-Q filed November 20, 2006, for
further information regarding these and other risks related to the
Company’s business.
Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
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