CIPH Ciphergen Biosystems (MM)

Ciphergen Launches ProteinChip(R) System, Series 4000 New System Designed to Speed the Process of Biomarker Discovery to Assays FREMONT, Calif., July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc (NASDAQ:CIPH) today announced the introduction of its next generation ProteinChip(R) System, Series 4000. The system features the Pattern Track(TM) biomarker discovery-to-assay process, which integrates Ciphergen's proprietary ProteinChip Arrays, SELDI-TOF-MS detection, and Biomarker Patterns(TM) software in a single system to enable rapid biomarker discovery and development of predictive, high throughput SELDI-based assays by providing: -- High system sensitivity, resolving power and reproducibility for biomarker discovery; -- Pattern recognition software to select the optimal combination of biomarkers; -- Automated single or multi-marker assay optimization and validation; -- Rapid purification and identification of biomarkers; and -- Automated high throughput assays. Martin Verhoef, President of the Biosystems Division of Ciphergen stated, "The major bottleneck in proteomics today is development of validated biomarker assays. The Series 4000 and Pattern Track process was specifically designed to speed the biomarker discovery to assay process and produce high predictive SELDI-based assays in weeks versus months or years. These assays include disease diagnosis, prognosis, prediction of drug response or understanding of biological function." New bioseparations tools further enhance the discovery and assay power of the Series 4000 and include: -- Deep Proteome(TM) tools including new Protein Equalizer(TM) beads. This powerful, combinatorial chemistry based bead technology allows a deeper search into the proteomes of biological fluids such as serum to detect low abundance proteins when used with the Series 4000 and new MultiSelect(TM) expression profiling tools. -- Biomarker Pathways(TM) tools including protein Interaction Discovery Mapping(TM) kits and protocols enable improved Series 4000 capabilities to discover novel protein interactions and build quantitative SELDI-based immunoassays to study biological pathways, function or drug development processes. The Series 4000 is designed with innovative engineering features which enable both high performance and automation for Pattern Track process implementation, yet maintain its versatile, easy to use benchtop format for biologists and clinical researchers. New design features include: -- Novel laser spot rastering, automatic laser energy setting, innovative 104 linear dynamic range detector and improved array manufacturing which result in superior assay quantitation and reproducibility (typical optimized CV's of 8-12%). -- New ion source, flight tube design and novel detector blanking features which improve ion efficiency and reduce noise, enabling enhanced biomarker sensitivity (typically 300 attomole limit of detection of IgG). -- Improved system linear dynamic mass range up to 380,000 daltons; when combined with MultiSelect column-based Expression Difference Mapping(TM) processes, the system serum peak-resolution per analysis is over 3,000. -- Automated sample handling allows unattended runs of up to 168 arrays for large clinical studies. -- CiphergenExpress(TM) 3.0 operating system and database manager provides system control, automation and database management with state-of-the- art features for automated Pattern Track process implementation. The Series 4000 is provided in two versions, the Enterprise Edition, a fully automated version, and the Personal Edition, a manual system which can be fully upgraded to the Enterprise Edition. Either version comes with Discovery, Purification, ID and Assay capabilities as well as ProteinChip Arrays. Additional information about the ProteinChip System, Series 4000 can be found at Ciphergen's website (http://www.ciphergen.com/) or by contacting your local Program Manager or Field Scientist. About Ciphergen Ciphergen's Biosystems Division 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 and large scale production. ProteinChip Systems enable protein discovery, characterization, identification and assay development to provide researchers with predictive, multi-marker assay capabilities and a better understanding of biological function at the protein level. Ciphergen's Diagnostics Division 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. 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 use of ProteinChip technology to discover useful protein biomarkers that can act as novel drug targets or disease markers, develop and commercialize clinical diagnostics that improve patient care, the ability to provide services that lead to improved toxicology assays and diagnostic assays, and statements regarding our Diagnostics Division. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements due to various factors, including the ProteinChip technology's ability to validate and/or develop protein biomarkers as novel drug targets, diagnostic or toxicology assays, 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 dated May 10, 2004 and amended May 20, 2004, 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. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040715/SFTH091-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040715/SFTH091-b ) http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040715/SFTH091-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040715/SFTH091-b http://photoarchive.ap.org/ 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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