News release via Canada NewsWire, Toronto 416-863-9350
Attention Business Editors:
New Study Data Supports PreMD's Breast Cancer Detection Technology
Findings Presented at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
TORONTO, Dec. 17 /CNW/ - Predictive medicine company PreMD Inc. (TSX:
PMD; Amex: PME) announced today that new data presented on December 15th at
the 30th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) shows increased
reactivity in nipple aspirate fluid from breast cancer patients. The abstract,
entitled, 'Galactose oxidase Schiff's (GOS) reactivity is higher in nipple
aspirate fluid from cancerous breasts than from healthy patients,' was
presented by Dr. Anees B. Chagpar from the University of Louisville.
"This is a very interesting study that could influence how testing for
breast cancer is performed in the future," said Brent Norton, president and
chief executive officer of PreMD Inc. "With additional research, our
technology could be used in conjunction with traditional breast cancer
screening techniques for improved overall diagnostic outcomes."
Previously published data showed that GOS reactivity was significantly
different between nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) taken from cancerous versus
non-cancerous breasts of women with unilateral invasive breast cancer. This
study extends these findings to include patients without breast cancer and
patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
"The data presented from this study show that GOS testing of nipple
aspirate fluid may be effective in identifying individuals at increased risk
of early-stage breast cancer," said Dr. Michael Evelegh, executive vice
president of clinical and regulatory affairs at PreMD. "This is exciting
because at present there are no effective biomarkers for detection of
early-stage breast cancer."
The SABCS is a leading international symposium for physicians and
healthcare researchers involved in breast cancer research. The 30th annual
conference was held in San Antonio, Texas from December 13-16th.
About the Trial.
The study evaluated 49 healthy control patients, varying from patients
with healthy controls with normal breast examination and imaging, patients
with unilateral DCIS and patients with unilateral invasive breast cancer. NAF
was collected from both breasts of each subject and tested using a
quantitative microwell-based assay to determine test reactivity. Results
showed that test reactivity was significantly higher in NAF from women with
breast cancer than NAF from patient without breast cancer.
About PreMD Inc.
PreMD Inc. is a leader in predictive medicine, dedicated to developing
rapid, non-invasive tests for the early detection of life-threatening
diseases. PreMD's cardiovascular products include a line of non-invasive skin
cholesterol tests, planned to be marketed and distributed by AstraZeneca
Pharmaceuticals. PreMD's other skin cholesterol products include PREVU(x) LT, a
skin cholesterol test designed for use in the life insurance industry. The
company's cancer tests include ColorectAlert(TM), LungAlert(TM) and a breast
cancer test. PreMD's head office is located in Toronto, Ontario and its
research and product development facility is at McMaster University in
Hamilton, Ontario. For more information about PreMD, please visit
www.premdinc.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements
involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the
Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among
others, the success of a plan for regaining compliance with certain continued
listing standards of the American Stock Exchange, successful development or
marketing of the Company's products, the competitiveness of the Company's
products if successfully commercialized, the lack of operating profit and
availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and
timely completion of clinical studies, product liability, reliance on
third-party manufacturers, the ability of the Company to take advantage of
business opportunities, uncertainties related to the regulatory process, and
general changes in economic conditions.
In addition, while the Company routinely obtains patents for its products
and technology, the protection offered by the Company's patents and patent
applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors
and there can be no guarantee of our ability to obtain or maintain patent
protection for our products or product candidates.
Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with
the Canadian and U.S.
securities commissions for additional information on risks and
uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are
cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. PreMD is providing
this information as of the date of this press release and does not undertake
any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this
press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(x)Trademark
%SEDAR: 00007927E %CIK: 0001179083
/For further information: Brent Norton, President and CEO, Tel: (416)
222-3449 ext. 22, Email: bnorton(at)premdinc.com; Ron Hosking, Vice President
Finance and CFO, Tel: (416) 222-3449 ext. 24, Email: rhosking(at)premdinc.com;
Michelle Rabba, Manager, Corporate Communications, Tel: (416) 222-3449 ext.
25, Email: mrabba(at)premdinc.com/
(PMD. PME)
CO: PreMD Inc.
CNW 09:02e 17-DEC-07
