OMH Osmetech

    RNS Number : 1663A
  Osmetech PLC
  30 July 2008
   


    30 July 2008        
            
    Osmetech plc ('Osmetech' or the 'Company')

    Osmetech announces first shipments of new eSensor� XT-8 platform and Warfarin Sensitivity Test  

    Speaking at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) 2008 Conference and Exhibition in Washington, DC,  James White, Chief
Executive, Osmetech plc, will confirm later today that following receipt of its 510(k) clearance last week from the US Food & Drug
Administration ('FDA'), the Company has now commenced shipments of its second generation eSensor� XT-8 molecular diagnostics platform and
Warfarin Sensitivity Test. 

    Mr White said: "We are delighted with the initial response from customers following the FDA clearance of the product and have a number
of shipments planned to both existing customers, who are currently running Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Detection tests using our first
generation platform, and new customers.  

    "This additional product offering leverages our commercial infrastructure which has benefited greatly from the valuable experience and
momentum gained through servicing our Cystic Fibrosis test customers. As is customary in the molecular diagnostics market, the new products
will initially be evaluated by customers and we are confident of achieving a high conversion rate of customers from evaluation to contract,
mirroring our experience with our Cystic Fibrosis product.

    "We will be broadening our test menu for the eSensor XT-8 platform and have further FDA submissions for specific tests planned for later
this year and in 2009." 



    Osmetech plc                                      +44 (0)207 849 6027
    James White, Chief Executive Officer
    David Sandilands, Chief Financial Officer

    Madano Partnership                          +44 (0) 207 593 4000
    Matthew Moth, Mark Way

    Canacccord Adams Limited            +44 (0) 207 050 6500
    Robert Finlay


    About Osmetech plc
    (www.osmetech.com)

    Osmetech plc is a public company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The company is a fast developing, international
diagnostics business with operations in Boston and Pasadena in the US, serving the high growth molecular diagnostic market targeting
hospitals and reference laboratories. Osmetech has rights to a strong portfolio of over 200 issued and pending patents and has launched its
first generation eSensor 4800 platform, an electrochemistry-based array system, together with an FDA cleared in vitro diagnostic test for
Cystic Fibrosis carrier detection. In July 2008, Osmetech received FDA clearance for its second generation eSensor XT-8 molecular
diagnostics platform and Warfarin Sensitivity Test.

    Warfarin sensitivity test
    Warfarin is the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant in North America and Europe with an estimated 2 million new patients in the US
each year. Warfarin is the second-most-likely drug, after insulin, to cause adverse events requiring emergency room visits. A recent
economic study (Brookings Institute, November 2006) concluded that widespread use of warfarin sensitivity testing in the U.S. could avoid
85,000 serious-bleeding events and 17,000 strokes a year, saving healthcare costs of approximately $1.1 billion annually and improving
patient care.

    Our eSensor Warfarin Sensitivity Test detects the three genetic markers that are known to play a critical role in metabolism of, and
sensitivity to, warfarin. Through detection of these genetic markers, doctors are better able to accurately and efficiently determine the
appropriate warfarin dosage level. Individuals respond to warfarin differently, and if its administration is not managed carefully, life
threatening side effects may occur.  Last year, the FDA cleared updated labeling for Coumadin� (generic name warfarin) recognizing the role
of CYP2C9 and VCORC1 genes in warfarin metabolism.

    eSensor XT-8
    Our second generation platform, the eSensor XT-8, is designed to support a broad menu of tests and provide accurate results while
minimizing technician involvement. We believe that the features of our eSensor XT-8 System compare favorably to those of other molecular
detection systems and that its ease of use, readily interpretable results, speed and low maintenance are particularly suited to the needs of
the decentralizing market. 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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