CIPH Ciphergen Biosystems (MM)

Research to Concentrate on Biomarkers for a Pre-Clinical Drug Efficacy Study in the Field of Oncology FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen (NASDAQ:CIPH) announced today that it has extended its existing relationship with sanofi-aventis by signing a collaborative research agreement. The project will concentrate on discovery, validation, and identification of biomarkers for a pre-clinical drug efficacy study in the field of oncology. Under the terms of the agreement, Ciphergen will analyze samples at one of its Biomarker Discovery Center(R) laboratories using its suite of proteomic solutions (Pattern Track(TM) Process, and ProteinChip(R) System). Financial terms were not disclosed. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with sanofi-aventis, an organization committed to innovation which shares our vision to accelerate and streamline development of new drugs through the early identification of relevant drug efficacy biomarkers," stated Gail S. Page, President and CEO of Ciphergen. "The partnership allows sanofi-aventis access to our expert scientists and latest technologies and is an important addition to our translational proteomics partnerships for drug discovery and development." About Ciphergen Ciphergen 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 develops, manufactures and markets a family of ProteinChip(R) Systems and services for clinical, research and process proteomics applications. ProteinChip Systems enable protein discovery, validation, 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/. About sanofi-aventis sanofi-aventis is the world's third-largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY). 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 efforts to accelerate the development of new drugs through the identification of drug efficacy biomarkers. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the possibility that Ciphergen may be unsuccessful in discovering, validating and identifying useful biomarkers in this study with sanofi-aventis or in any other study. Investors should consult Ciphergen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-Q dated December 21, 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. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: scarruthers@ciphergen.com DATASOURCE: Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. CONTACT: Sue Carruthers, Investor Relations of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., +1-510-505-2297 Web site: http://www.ciphergen.com/

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