CIPH Ciphergen Biosystems (MM)

FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIPH) today announced multiple presentations with its collaborators supporting the use of protein biomarkers to help discriminate women with ovarian cancer from those with benign tumors and to help predict survival in patients with ovarian cancer. The presentations will be made at the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) Biennial Meeting in Santa Monica, Calif., October 14-18. "A diagnostic test is needed that has adequate predictive value to stratify patients with a pelvic mass into high risk of ovarian cancer from those with low risk," said Eric T. Fung, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer for Ciphergen Biosystems. "As published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institutes in February, studies have shown that women with ovarian cancer have better outcomes when triaged to a gynecologic oncologist for treatment. The presentations at IGCS are further evidence supporting the development of Ciphergen's panel of biomarkers to help differentiate women with ovarian cancer and thereby aid in insuring that they receive the most appropriate medical attention." Each abstract will be presented on Sunday, October 15, 2006 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. during Poster Session 1: Ovarian in the Exhibition Area. Abstract: A Panel of Seven Biomarkers Improves Detection of Ovarian Cancer Collaborators: John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Nara Medical University Abstract: A Panel of Seven Biomarkers Improves Specificity in Discriminating Malignant from Benign Pelvic Masses Collaborators: The Danish Cancer Society, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, University of Copenhagen Abstract: Validation of a Panel of Seven Proteomic Biomarkers in an Independent and Blinded Sample Set Collaborators: John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Lund University Hospital Abstract: Novel Biomarkers that Predict Survival in Patients with Ovarian Cancer Collaborator: University of Copenhagen Abstract: Evaluation of Pre-Analytic Influence of Sample Collection/Handling Methodologies on Serum Proteome is Key in Biomarker Discovery and Assay Development Collaborators: University College London, Royal Holloway College About Ciphergen's Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Program Ciphergen has an advanced diagnostic program in ovarian cancer and has developed a panel of biomarkers that provides risk stratification information for ovarian cancer based on a series of studies involving over 2,000 clinical samples from more than five sites. Ciphergen has an alliance with Quest Diagnostics to commercialize this marker set under the analyte specific reagent, or ASR, regulations. Ciphergen is simultaneously undertaking a prospective clinical trial to support submission to the FDA for approval as an in vitro diagnostic test. In addition to developing a diagnostic test designed to distinguish between benign and malignant pelvic masses, studies are underway to predict recurrence of ovarian cancer and to provide additional tools to aid physicians in triaging women considered at high risk of ovarian cancer. Ciphergen's comprehensive diagnostic development program is being conducted with several leading collaborators at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University College London, and the University of Kentucky. About Ovarian Cancer Commonly known as the "silent killer," ovarian cancer leads to approximately 14,000 deaths each year in the United States. Approximately 23,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with the majority in patients diagnosed with late stage disease where the cancer has spread beyond the ovary. The prognosis is poor in these patients, leading to the high mortality from this disease. A diagnostic test is needed that can provide adequate predictive value to stratify patients with a pelvic mass into high risk of invasive ovarian cancer versus those with low risk. About Ciphergen Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel high-value diagnostic tests that help physicians diagnose, treat and improve outcomes for patients. Ciphergen, along with its prestigious scientific collaborators, has ongoing diagnostic programs in oncology, cardiology and women's health with an initial focus in ovarian cancer. Based in Fremont, California, more information about Ciphergen can be found on the Web at http://www.ciphergen.com/ . Safe Harbor Statement Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains 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 protein biomarker panel described in this publication in helping discriminate women with ovarian cancer from women with benign ovarian tumors or other benign disease, in predicting survival in patients with ovarian cancer and in helping stratify patients with a pelvic mass into high risk of ovarian cancer from those with low risk of ovarian cancer, the ability of Ciphergen to commercialize successfully such biomarker panel under the analyte specific reagent (ASR) regulations and the potential outcome of studies designed to predict recurrence of ovarian cancer and to provide additional tools to aid physicians in triaging women considered at high risk of ovarian cancer. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the possibility that the biomarker panel described in this publication may not validate in subsequent studies or be developed into an assay that is useful to physicians and patients, the risk that such biomarker panel may not predict successfully the recurrence of ovarian cancer or provide additional tools to aid physicians in triaging women considered at high risk of ovarian cancer, 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-Q filed August 16, 2006, for further information regarding these and other risks related to the Company's business. NOTE: Ciphergen, ProteinChip and Biomarker Discovery Center are registered trademarks of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. DATASOURCE: Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. CONTACT: investors, Sue Carruthers of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., +1-510-505 2233; or media, Andrea Campbell of WeissComm Partners, +1-281-360-7239, for Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. Web site: http://www.ciphergen.com/

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