HER-2/neu Serum Assay Aids in Monitoring and Determining Treatment Decision Involving
A Particularly Aggressive Tumor Collaboration Underscores Enzo’s Commitment to Women’s Health Diagnostics
A Particularly Aggressive Tumor Collaboration Underscores Enzo’s Commitment to Women’s Health Diagnostics
NEW YORK, NY , February 18, 2014 – Enzo Biochem Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) today announced that its Enzo Clinical Labs subsidiary and Massachusetts-based Nuclea Biotechnologies, Inc. have entered into a non-exclusive distribution agreement to market Nuclea’s non-invasive HER-2/neu serum test, a key assay in the monitoring of metastatic breast cancer.
This blood test facilitates the monitoring and treatment decisions of women with metastatic breast cancer that overexpresses the HER-2/neu protein in the tumor. Individuals with this condition tend to have a worse prognosis and a more aggressive disease that can resist certain types of chemotherapy. The test measures the portion of HER-2/neu protein that lies outside the surface of the cell and being released into the blood stream, allowing for more informed treatment decisions for a number of women who may not be responding to breast cancer treatment or may be at risk for metastatic cancer and need revised treatment plans.
“We are pleased to partner with Nuclea Biotechnologies in marketing this key assay,” said Cynthia Bowman, MD, Medical Director of Enzo Clinical Labs. “Offering the serum HER2/neu testing ties in with our expanding program of developing and making available high value esoteric testing, especially in the area of women’s health, and providing our physician clients with yet another tool with which to customize a woman’s assessment and treatment. Moreover, the use of this assay in treatment monitoring may open up our services to the Pharmaceutical market.”
“Our agreement with Enzo will serve as a catalyst for greater market reach of our serum HER-2/neu test,” said Patrick Muraca, President and CEO of Nuclea. “Enzo Labs’ long standing reputation as a leader in the delivery of high value diagnostics make them an excellent partner to increase the market’s recognition and use of this important breast cancer assay.”
Utilizing the HER-2/neu blood test while monitoring the disease’s progression will enable physicians to better adapt, combine therapies and change treatment protocols. Studies have demonstrated that use of combination chemotherapy regimens provides a statistically significant advantage for survival and tumor response in women with metastatic breast 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 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.
About Nuclea Biotechnologies
Nuclea Biotechnologies, Inc. is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts with additional operations in Worcester and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nuclea has developed and is commercializing unique diagnostic tests for colon, breast, leukemia, lung and prostate cancer. Nuclea also performs research leading to novel molecular oncology companion diagnostics for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. http://www.nucleabio.com
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, 2013. 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.
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Contact for Enzo Biochem:
Steven Anreder Michael Wachs
Anreder & Company CEOcast, Inc.
212-532-3232 212-732-4300
steven.anreder@anreder.com or mwachs@ceocast.com