DiaGenic to Partner With Opaldia in UK on Blood Based Breast Cancer Gene Expression Test

The Norwegian life sciences company, DiaGenic ASA today announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Opaldia concerning Opaldia becoming the commercial partner in the UK for its proprietary gene expression tests. The first is expected to be DiaGenic’s breast cancer test, which is aiming for CE mark approval by the end of 2008. The test will be made available in the UK to private patients as part of the Opaldia Breastcare Programme.

The agreement between DiaGenic and Opaldia also includes the use of the research-use-only (RUO) version of the test in studies funded by Opaldia until a CE approved version is available.

Dr James Mackay, Medical Director of Opaldia, welcomed the agreement: “We are delighted to partner with DiaGenic on their breast cancer test. The DiaGenic breast cancer blood test is an exciting new weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Opaldia is already a distributor of the Agendia MammaPrint assay, a tissue based cancer prognostic assay, and inclusion of the DiaGenic test in our programme will demonstrate our nationwide leading position as a provider of advanced genetics within the oncology field.”

Dr Erik Christensen, CEO of DiaGenic comments: “We are very pleased and looking forward to this partnership with Opaldia. This will be our first commercial agreement providing market access in the UK through a highly competent organization with broad experience in bringing new diagnostic technologies to the market.”

About DiaGenic ASA

DiaGenic is an innovative Norwegian biotechnology company that seeks to create value for patients, partners, and investors by developing new and more patient friendly methods for early detection of diseases. DiaGenic is currently a world leader in analyzing gene expression signatures related to disease in easily available clinical samples such as peripheral blood. This unique method is based on the principle that even when a disease is localized at a specific part of the body, secondary responses, which are also characteristic of the disease, can be measured in other parts. Significant potential in numerous diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease has been identified. The company has been granted patents in the U.S. and Europe. DiaGenic is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. For more information visit www.diagenic.com

About Opaldia

Opaldia is a private healthcare provider which aims to provide a lifelong breast cancer service to its members. All its services are offered in independent hospitals by consultant grade oncologists. Other gene expression tests offered by the company in the breast cancer field are: MammaPrint — for disease prognosis; and CupPrint, which identifies the origin of mestasized tumours. For more information please visit the www.opaldia.com or contact Dr James Mackay, Opaldia, +44 20-7554 4045; james.mackay@opaldia.com