Advertisement
"The issuance of this patent validates the strength of our approach in thedevelopment of innovative molecular diagnostics," said Eric T. Fung, M.D.,Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Vermillion. "We hypothesize that measuringthese novel forms of BNP will have prognostic value. We look forward tocontinuing to build our solid pipeline of potential biomarkers to aid in thediagnosis of serious, debilitating conditions."
Advertisement
BNP is secreted by the heart and indicates how well the muscle is working.Normally, only a low amount of BNP is found in the blood. However, if theheart has to work harder than usual over an extended period of time the heartreleases more BNP. Elevated levels of BNP can signify congestive heartfailure.
The patent also covers the measurement of these new modifications of BNPby a variety of methods, including SELDI (surface enhanced laserdesorption/ionization) mass spectrometry -- which was used to discover thesespecific forms -- and other immunoassay approaches.
About Vermillion
Vermillion, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development andcommercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help physiciansdiagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Vermillion, along with itsprestigious scientific collaborators, has diagnostic programs in oncology,hematology, cardiology and women's health. Vermillion is based in Fremont,California. Additional information about Vermillion can be found on the Web athttp://www.vermillion.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involvesignificant risks and uncertainties, including statements regardingVermillion's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Theseforward-looking statements are based on Vermillion's current expectations. ThePrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" forsuch forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safeharbor, Vermillion notes that a variety of factors could cause actual resultsand experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or otherexpectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. There are noguarantees that Vermillion will succeed in its efforts to commercializeproducts, based on Patent No.7,341,838, that will improve diagnosis andtreatment of cardiovascular disease in 2008 or during any other period oftime. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include butare not limited to: (1) uncertainty in obtaining intellectual propertyprotection for inventions made by Vermillion; (2) unproven ability ofVermillion to discover, develop, and commercialize diagnostic products for thetreatment of cardiovascular disease based on findings from its diseaseassociation studies; (3) unproven ability of Vermillion to discover oridentify new protein biomarkers and use such information to develop diagnosticproducts for the treatment of cardiovascular disease; (4) uncertainty as towhether Vermillion will be able to obtain any required regulatory approval ofits diagnostic products for the treatment of cardiovascular disease; (5)uncertainty of market acceptance of its diagnostic products for the treatmentof cardiovascular disease, including the risk that its products
