Ciphergen Reports Discovery of Novel Biomarkers Linked to Pre-Eclampsia
July 11 2006 - 10:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Results Presented at the International Society for the Study of
Hypertension in Pregnancy FREMONT, Calif., July 11
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIPH)
announced the discovery of a panel of biomarkers present in urine
that could distinguish pregnant women with pre-eclampsia from
healthy pregnant women. The results were presented at the 15th
World Congress of International Society for the Study of
Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) in Lisbon, Portugal, July 2nd
-5th. Irina A, Buhinschi, M.D., assistant professor in the
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at
Yale School of Medicine presented a paper titled Urinary proteomic
biomarker patterns in preeclampsia: a novel approach for the
differential diagnosis. The study used 122 urine samples collected
prospectively with the goal of discovering biomarkers for
predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring severity and treatment
effectiveness of pre-eclampsia. The researchers discovered the
presence of two biomarkers (specific fragments of albumin and
serpina-1) that, when combined, is highly characteristic for
pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. The marker
panel, assayed using Ciphergen's SELDI-TOF technology, could
classify the study subjects with 92% accuracy. "By identifying
these protein biomarkers we gained further insight into the
mechanisms related to the development of pre-eclampsia," said Dr.
Buhinschi. "The further development of a new test using these
biomarkers could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of
pre-eclampsia and help prevent premature births." On Monday, July
3rd Carl P. Weiner, M.D., M.B.A., The K.E. Krantz Professor and
Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor, Molecular and
Integrative Physiology University of Kansas School of Medicine
presented new advancements in the State of the Art session titled,
From Genomics to Proteomics. Dr. Weiner's presentation highlighted
the role of genomics and proteomics, specifically, SELDI-TOF-MS, in
addressing the challenges of pre-eclampsia. During his presentation
he indicated the primary goal of proteomics is biomarker discovery
by sample stratification of normal versus disease in which the
study designs included samples from normal pregnant women, mild
pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, and
superimposed pre-eclampsia. He cited several promising studies that
have revealed novel biomarkers for pre-eclampsia and may be
indicators of disease susceptibility, onset, and progression as
well as drug response or new therapeutic targets. "As you can see
pre-eclampsia is a complicated problem that requires a broad
perspective of the pathologic events. Genomics and proteomics tools
coupled with new software may facilitate that process and enhance
the near term likelihood of diagnostic and therapeutic success,"
Dr. Weiner said in his concluding remarks. "We are very excited to
be working with Dr. Buhinschi and Dr. Weiner on addressing this
important clinical condition which effects over 350,000 pregnancies
and kills thousands of women annually in the United States. These
findings represent advancements in our understanding of threatening
disorders during pregnancy and could lead to better management of
high-risk pregnancies," said Gail S. Page, President and CEO of
Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. There are over 6.3 million pregnancies
annually in the United States. Pre- eclampsia occurs in
approximately 5-7% of all pregnancies and is responsible for 18% of
maternal deaths during pregnancy, as well as one-third of premature
births. 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/. 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
predictive value and usefulness of the reported multi-marker panel
in helping diagnose pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, the ability of
biomarkers to discover mechanisms related to the development of
pre-eclampsia, and the ability of Ciphergen to create diagnostic
tests to aid physicians in predicting high-risk pregnancies. Actual
results may differ materially from those projected in such
forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the
fact that the performance of this or any other multi-marker panel
discovered by Ciphergen may not validate in subsequent studies or
be developed into an assay that is useful to physicians and
patients. Investors should consult Ciphergen's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-Q dated
May 15, 2006, for further information regarding these and other
risks of the Company's business. NOTE: Ciphergen, ProteinChip,
Biomarker Discovery Center and BioSepra are registered trademarks
of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. DATASOURCE: Ciphergen Biosystems,
Inc. CONTACT: Sue Carruthers, Investor Relations of Ciphergen
Biosystems, Inc., +1-510-505 2297 Web site:
http://www.ciphergen.com/
Copyright
Ciphergen Biosystems (NASDAQ:CIPH)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Ciphergen Biosystems (NASDAQ:CIPH)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024