CIPH Ciphergen Biosystems (MM)

Ciphergen Announces Issuance of Patent for Protein Pattern Recognition Combined with Mass Spectrometry FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued Ciphergen U.S. Patent 6,675,104, directed to finding protein patterns in mass spectrometry data. The patent covers software and methods that use a pattern recognition algorithm, called "classification and regression tree analysis," or CART, to identify diagnostic patterns of proteins derived from mass spectrometry data. This method is used in Ciphergen's Biomarker Patterns(TM) Software and SELDI ProteinChip(R) Biomarker System for biomarker discovery, validation and assay development. "We believe this classification approach will enable development of a new generation of more predictive, higher value, clinical diagnostic and prognostic tests," said William E. Rich, President and CEO of Ciphergen. "Together with SELDI-MS, this method forms a powerful 'diagnostic pattern discovery technology' which enables rapid discovery of patterns of discreet, identifiable protein biomarkers in human fluids and tissues that distinguish disease states from healthy ones. These protein patterns can then be used to rapidly develop multi-marker, diagnostic assays. Ciphergen has long believed that protein multi-marker tests are the future of clinical diagnostics and will also enable pharmacoproteomics, which includes protein-based predictive toxicology and clinical trial patient stratification in pharmaceutical drug development leading to new companion diagnostics." About Ciphergen Ciphergen develops, manufactures and markets a family of ProteinChip(R) Systems and services for clinical, research and process proteomics applications, as well as a broad range of bioseparations media for protein purification through its BioSepra process chromatography division. ProteinChip Systems and Biomarker Discovery Center(R) collaborative services enable protein discovery, profiling, characterization and assay development to provide researchers with predictive analysis capabilities and a better understanding of biological functions at the protein level. ProteinChip Systems are enabling tools in the emerging field of protein-based biology research, known as proteomics. Proteomics provides a direct approach to understanding the role of proteins in the biology of disease, monitoring disease progression and evaluating the therapeutic effects and side effects of drugs. Ciphergen believes proteomics will be a major focus of biological research by enhancing the understanding of gene function and the molecular basis of disease. 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 our ability to develop, and the characteristics of, new diagnostic and prognostic tests, the enabling power of SELDI ProteinChip technology to discover and assay useful biomarkers, the expected benefits of using the new classification approach with SELDI-MS, the expectation that protein multi-marker tests will have a significant future role in diagnostics, prognostics, predictive toxicology and drug development, and future growth in the field of proteomics. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including ProteinChip technology's ability to successfully discover, validate and assay biomarkers and patterns of biomarkers that are highly predictive and therefore meet with customer acceptance, the continued emergence of proteomics as a major focus of biological research and drug discovery, and our ability to protect and promote our proprietary technologies. Investors should consult Ciphergen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-Q dated November 14, 2003, 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 of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., +1-510-505 2233 Web site: http://www.ciphergen.com/

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