CIPH Ciphergen Biosystems (MM)

National Cancer Institute Signs Agreement to Evaluate Ciphergen's Proteomic System for Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics NCI Clinical Proteomics Reference Laboratory will Utilize ProteinChip(R) System, Series 4000 FREMONT, Calif., April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Diagnostics, a division of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIPH), announced today that it has executed a material transfer agreement with the NCI Clinical Proteomics Reference Laboratory (CPRL) which allows CPRL to evaluate the new ProteinChip(R) System, Series 4000 and ProteinChip arrays and associated bioinformatics suites. The CPRL was created by the NCI to explore a variety of proteomics platforms which may have potential use to detect protein patterns indicative of various cancer states. Under the terms of the agreement, Ciphergen will provide instrumentation, biochip arrays and software that the NCI CPRL will use to study biomarker patterns indicative of ovarian cancer. The NCI CPRL will test archived ovarian cancer samples on assays it has constructed on Ciphergen's proteomics platform. "We are excited to be working with the NCI CPRL on this important project," said Gail S. Page, President of Ciphergen's Diagnostics Division. "This relationship brings together Ciphergen's expertise in rapidly translating biomarker discoveries into assays with the CPRL's extensive experience in clinical assay development and diagnostic test validation." At the annual meeting of the Association for Laboratory Automation in February 2005, the NCI CPRL presented results of a study of ovarian cancer sera with total inter-day precision of 6-12% based on the use of the ProteinChip System, PBSIIc which is the predecessor system to the Series 4000. About Ciphergen Ciphergen's Diagnostics Division is dedicated to the discovery of protein biomarkers and panels of biomarkers and their development into protein molecular diagnostic tests that improve patient care; and to providing collaborative R&D services through its Biomarker Discovery Center(R) laboratories for biomarker discovery for new diagnostic tests as well as pharmacoproteomic services for improved drug toxicology, efficacy and theranostic assays. Ciphergen's Biosystems Division develops, manufactures and markets a family of ProteinChip(R) Systems and services for clinical, research, and process proteomics applications. ProteinChip Systems enable protein discovery, characterization, identification and assay development to provide researchers with predictive, multi-marker assay capabilities and a better understanding of biological function at the protein level. Additional information about Ciphergen can be found at http://www.ciphergen.com/. Safe Harbor Statement Note Regarding 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 potential development of a clinical test for ovarian cancer by the CPRL, and statements regarding our Diagnostics Division. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the possibility that assays developed by the CPRL may fail to validate in larger studies as providing an accurate diagnostic for ovarian cancer, the ProteinChip technology's ability to validate and/or develop protein biomarkers as novel drug targets, diagnostic or toxicology assays, and the Company's ability to successfully commercialize such tests. Investors should consult Ciphergen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K dated March 22, 2005, for further information regarding these and other risks of the Company's business. NOTE: Ciphergen, ProteinChip, and Biomarker Discovery Center are registered trademarks of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. DATASOURCE: Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. CONTACT: Sue Caruthers of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., +1-510-505-2297, or Web site: http://www.ciphergen.com/

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