Xenomics, Inc. Discusses HPV Screening Test Based On Transrenal DNA Technology At 52nd All India Congress Of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 08 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Xenomics, Inc. (XNOM.PK), a developer of non-invasive next-generation molecular diagnostics, announced today that Dr. Samuil Umansky, Chief Scientific Officer, presented at the 52nd All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AICOG) in Jaipur, India. Dr. Umansky provided an overview of the current state of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) detection and cervical cancer diagnostics and discussed a urine-based HPV screening test developed by Xenomics.

In 2008, Xenomics signed an exclusive agreement with Metropolis Health Services India Ltd for distribution in India of an HPV screening test developed by Xenomics and based on its proprietary Transrenal DNA technology. Under the three-year agreement, Metropolis will perform sample collection, laboratory testing, reporting and related services for Xenomics. The test is currently being transferred to the Metropolis clinical team and its launch in India is expected in the first half of 2009.

Dr. Sushil Shah, CEO and Chairman of Metropolis, commented: "Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among females in India and implementation of a screening program is absolutely necessary. Currently available screening tests are based on analysis of cervical cells and discomfort of cell collection may diminish their clinical use. The test developed by Xenomics is based on HPV detection in urinary DNA, which makes sample collection very simple. We hope that compliance for this test will be high, and its use would bring significant health benefits to women in our country."

About Metropolis

Metropolis was founded in 1981 in Mumbai. Today Metropolis is one of the largest clinical service companies in India processing over 10 million tests a year, catering to more than 10,000 laboratories, hospitals, nursing homes and 20,000 consultants. Metropolis also has diagnostic centers in the UAE, Seychelles, Srilanka, Thailand and South Africa, and upcoming project in the US. Metropolis is accredited by ISO, NABL, CAP (College of American Pathologists) and certified with CLIA (USA), which demonstrates the company's dedication to satisfying stringent national and international quality and regulatory requirements. Metropolis network of 50 state-of-art-laboratories across India, Seychelles, UAE, Sri Lanka, Thailand and South Africa, with over 350 collection centers further demonstrate the company's commitment to delivering accurate and timely results across the 3600 plus routine using over 100 different technologies, including Biochip and DNA sequencing. Metropolis services include Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Radiology & Imaging Services, Hospital Laboratory Management, Central Laboratory Services for Clinical Trials, Site Management Services, Home Health Services, Preventive Health Check ups and Remote Pathology Testing Services.

More information is available at http://www.metropolisindia.com

About Xenomics

Xenomics is a molecular diagnostics company developing tests based on Transrenal nucleic acids (Tr-DNA and Tr-RNA including miRNA) and safe, simple urine collection techniques. The Company believes its proprietary technology has a broad range of detection / monitoring / screening applications, including prenatal conditions, infectious diseases, tissue transplantation, neurodegenerative disorders, various tumors, and can open significant new markets in the molecular diagnostics field. Currently, Xenomics is focusing on implementation of its urinary DNA-based test for high-risk HPV and development of other tests based on Tr-DNA and Tr-miRNA. Xenomics has a strong and broad IP portfolio of issued and pending patents covering different applications of the technology for molecular diagnostics.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements about the Company's expectations, including applications of its technology, markets, anticipated launch dates and other statements that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are based on management's current beliefs, assumptions, estimates and projections. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for various reasons, including risks associated with product development, test transfer and training, government regulation, market acceptance, dependence on key personnel and contractors, obtaining financing and other factors discussed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Xenomics, Inc.