Enzo Biochem Launch of Test for Measuring Risk of Colorectal Cancer Underscores Growing Role of Molecular Diagnostics
Company Developing Pipeline of New Platforms and Assays for Molecular Diagnostic Use
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enzo Biochem Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) today announced the launch of the ColonSentry™ test for assessing a patient’s risk of having colorectal cancer, the first in a pipeline of new molecular diagnostic products the Company plans for the medical community.
“As a pioneer in the use of genomic and genetic information as a catalyst for diagnostic products for delivering better healthcare, the availability of ColonSentry™, which only recently received New York State Department of Health approval, marks another important chapter in the transformation of our Company,” said Barry Weiner, Enzo President.
“We also have, pending for New York State approval, our first assay based test on our new proprietary low cost and highly sensitive AmpiProbe™ nucleic acid amplification and detection technology platform. Our AmpiProbe™ HCV RNA Quantification assay has been tested over hundreds of clinical samples and found to be reliable, accurate and precise. In addition, our assay was found, as compared to similar diagnostics products, to achieve enhanced sensitivity that can allow for a more convenient and efficient workflow which may utilize significantly less starting material and consumables. This product is the first of several assays now under development based on the AmpiProbe™ next generation molecular diagnostics platform that are expected to be marketed both nationally and internationally.
“These developments underscore the opportunities available to our Company through the combination of a world class clinical lab and ground breaking life science capability. Today’s announcement of the effective roll out of ColonSentry™ is a significant achievement pointing towards a highly promising era for Enzo.”
ColonSentry™ is a first of its kind blood-based risk stratification test for colorectal cancer. It utilizes RNA to measure the level of expression of seven specific genes. ColonSentry™ requires only a small sample of blood that can be easily collected during a routine physical exam. It is being made available as a tool to help assess a patients’ risk for colorectal cancer, and thus drive greater compliance for use of colonoscopies, which has been very low, and contribute to earlier detection of colorectal cancer.
About Enzo Biochem
Enzo Biochem is a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories, life sciences and therapeutics through the development of unique diagnostic platform technologies that provide numerous advantages over previous standards. A global company, Enzo Biochem utilizes cross-functional teams to develop and rapidly deploy products systems and services that meet the ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of health care both today and into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochem’s products and technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio, with patent coverage across a number of key enabling technologies.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management, including those related to cash flow, gross margins, revenues, and expenses are dependent on a number of factors outside of the control of the company including, inter alia, the markets for the Company’s products and services, costs of goods and services, other expenses, government regulations, litigations, and general business conditions. See Risk Factors in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2011. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
Enzo Biochem, Inc.
Steven Anreder, 212-532-3232
or
CEOcast,
Inc.
Michael Wachs, 212-732-4300
Source: Enzo Biochem Inc.
Released April 10, 2012