CIPH Ciphergen Biosystems (MM)

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