LDL Particle Measurement by NMR Recognized in Consensus Statement by the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology

RALEIGH, N.C., March 28 The American Diabetes Association(ADA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) issued a consensusstatement today that states the measurement of LDL particle number by nuclearmagnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the more accurate ways to evaluatecardiometabolic risk (CMR). The study, published in the April issue ofDiabetes Care, reinforces that LDL cholesterol may not be the best way toquantify a patient's risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Cardiometabolic Risk (CMR) is associated with Type 2 Diabetes and CVD -obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and hypertension are risk factorsthat often cluster together. ApoB and LDL particle concentration appear to bemore closely associated with these markers of CMR than LDL cholesterol or non-HDL cholesterol. Subsequently, lipoprotein abnormalities are commonly foundin patients with CMR. According to the consensus statement, ApoB and LDLparticle number by NMR appear to be more discriminating measures of theadequacy of LDL lowering therapies than are traditional LDL and HDLcholesterol measures.

"Several studies have shown that LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) poorlycharacterizes lipid abnormalities in patients with cardiometabolic risk," saysRobert S. Rosenson, MD, Director of Lipoprotein Disorders and ClinicalAtherosclerosis Research, University of Michigan School of Medicine andpresenter at the consensus panel meeting. "Additionally, LDL-Pconcentrations, compared to LDL-C and non HDL-C, have been shown to bestronger predictors of cardiovascular risk."

The NMR LipoProfile(R) test, developed by LipoScience, Inc., is the onlytest that quantifies LDL particle number (LDL-P) using Nuclear MagneticResonance. LDL particle information is used by clinicians to monitor theeffect of lipid altering interventions, such as statins, in the management ofa patient's cardiovascular health by lowering LDL particle number (LDL-P).

Studies show that low concentrations of LDL particles are associated withfewer cardiovascular disease related events than equivalently low levels ofLDL cholesterol; data most recently published from the Framingham Offspringstudy in December 2007.(1)

"This consensus statement further demonstrates the critical role that theNMR LipoProfile(R) test can play for the millions of people with diabetes orcardiovascular disease risk," says Rick Brajer, Chief Executive Officer andPresident, LipoScience, Inc. "Measuring LDL particle number by NMR presentsphysicians and patients with the opportunity to better manage cardiometabolicrisk."

About LDL Particles

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) particles are containers that carrycholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides throughout the body. LDL particlestravel into the artery wall where they deposit their cholesterol which formsplaque. Over time, the plaque can build up and block the flow of blood to theheart.

About LipoScience

LipoScience, Inc. markets the NMR LipoProfile(R) test to clinicians,commercial diagnostic laboratories and clinical research clients. Founded in1994, LipoScience introduced the NMR LipoProfile(R) test for clinical researchin 1997 and for use in patient care in 1999.For more information visit www.nmrlipoprofile.com. (1) Cromwell, W.C., Otvos, J.D., et al. LDL Particle Number and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Framingham Offspring Study - Implications for LDL Management. Journal of Clinical Lipidology 2007;1:583-592.

SOURCE LipoScience