OMH Osmetech

    RNS Number : 3596H
  Osmetech PLC
  04 November 2008
   



    4 November 2008        
            
    Osmetech plc ('Osmetech' or the 'Company')

    CYP450 2C9 test launch

    Osmetech plc (OMH.L), the international molecular diagnostics company announces the launch of a genetic test for CYP450 2C9 drug
metabolism. CYP450 2C9, or CYP2C9, is an important member of the Cytochrome P450 family of enzymes responsible for detoxifying potentially
hazardous chemicals, such as drugs, that are "foreign" to the body.  

    The CYP2C9 gene is important in its involvement in the metabolism of 10% of all drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(e.g. celecoxib, ibuprofen), anti-coagulants (e.g. warfarin), anti-epileptic agents (e.g. phenytoin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins /
e.g. fluvastatin) and anti-diabetic agents (e.g. aprepitant).

    CYP2C9 polymorphisms result in a decrease or loss of enzyme activity, which can influence the appropriate dosage of the prescribed drug.
The CYP2C9 test is important in optimizing the dosage of drugs or the selection of alternative drugs. Moreover, during the development of
new drugs metabolized by CYP2C9, genetic tests assist in the appropriate selection of patients for clinical trials and the optimization of
dosage for those patients based on their ability to metabolize the drug.

    The CYP2C9 test will be available for research use only on the eSensor XT-8 System targeting the demand for such a test from
pharmaceutical testing laboratories, which we believe represents a significant proportion of the current market. In time we may also seek
FDA approval for a CYP2C9 test.

    James White, Chief Executive, Osmetech plc, said:

    "We are delighted to have launched our second personalized medicine assay on the eSensor XT-8 System ahead of schedule. This is an
exciting time for Osmetech as we commercialise and strengthen our pipeline of assays for our recently launched eSensor XT-8 System. 

    "We look forward to updating the market both on the inlicensing of new assays as well as further progress in respect of our existing
pipeline of assays which, if approved by the FDA, are scheduled for commercial launch over the coming months, including: extended warfarin
panel with our proprietary 4F2 marker, Cystic Fibrosis, venous thrombosis (Factor II, Factor V Leiden and MTHFR) and the RESPLEX II
respiratory pathogen assay recently in-licensed from Qiagen."

    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
    www.madano.com

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


    About Osmetech plc
    (www.osmetech.com)

    Osmetech plc is an AIM-listed public company on 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 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. 

    eSensor XT-8 System
    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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