EANS-News: Epigenomics Biomarker Predicts Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer

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Company Information/Research & Development/molecular diagnostics

Berlin, Germany, and Seattle, WA, U.S.A., January 5, 2012 (euro
adhoc) - Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard: ECX), the
German-American cancer molecular diagnostics company, is pleased to
announce the publication of a study authored by Professor Matthias
Ebert at University of Heidelberg entitled "TFAP2E-DKK4 and
Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer" in the January edition of The
New England Journal of Medicine.

In this study involving more than 200 patients in four independent
cohorts, Professor Ebert and his team demonstrated that
hypermethylation of the TFAP2E gene was correlated with
non-responsiveness to the commonly used chemotherapeutic agent
5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Furthermore, using a combination of data from cancer cell lines and
patient samples, the authors demonstrated that this effect was
potentially mediated through up-regulation of the DKK4 gene,
previously implicated in 5-FU resistance.Resistance to treatment was
observed with 5-FU based chemotherapy or 5-FU chemotherapy combined
with radiation, indicating that TFAP2E methylation may be a valuable
biomarker for response prediction in either setting.

Epigenomics co-author, Dr. Cathy Lofton-Day commented that "This is
one of the first studies to identify a methylation based biomarker
for resistance to chemotherapy, and may provide caregivers with
information to allow a more informed choice of 5-FU based
chemotherapy treatment selection for patients with colorectal
cancer".

The study represents an important step forward in the growing role
that biomarkers can play in the management of cancer and other
diseases. Professor Ebert commented: "In practical terms, we believe
this study demonstrates the potential that novel DNA methylation
biomarkers may have in improving the selection of therapies for this
deadly disease. A prospective validation of the marker is, however,
still required".

Epigenomics believes that this study demonstrates the potential of
TFAP2E and other biomarkers identified in Epigenomics' DNA
methylation discovery pipeline in supporting clinical decision
making.

- Ends -

Further Information

Contact Epigenomics AG

Antje Zeise
Manager IR | PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel +49 (0) 30 24345 368
ir@epigenomics.com
www.epigenomics.com

About Epigenomics

Epigenomics (www.epigenomics.com) is a molecular diagnostics company
developing and commercializing a pipeline of proprietary products for
cancer. The Company's products enable doctors to diagnose cancer
earlier and more accurately, leading to improved outcomes for
patients. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon®, is a blood-based
test for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which is currently
marketed in Europe and is in development for the U.S.A. The Company's
technology and products have been validated through multiple
partnerships with leading global diagnostic companies including
Abbott, QIAGEN, Sysmex, and Quest Diagnostics. Epigenomics is an
international company with operations in Europe and the U.S.A.

Epigenomics legal disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain
forward-looking statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its
business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results,
financial condition, performance or achievements of Epigenomics AG to
be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and
does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained
herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The information contained in this communication does not constitute
nor imply an offer to sell or transfer any product, and no product
based on this technology is currently available for sale by
Epigenomics in the United States or Canada. The analytical and
clinical performance characteristics of any Epigenomics product based
on this technology which may be sold at some future time in the U.S.
have not been established.

Further inquiry note:
Antje Zeise | CIRO
Manager IR/PR
Epigenomics AG
Tel: +49 30 24345 386
antje.zeise@epigenomics.com

end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: Epigenomics AG
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1
D-10178 Berlin
phone: +49 30 24345-0
FAX: +49 30 24345-555
mail: ir@epigenomics.com
WWW: http://www.epigenomics.com
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A1K0516
indexes: Prime All Share, Technology All Share
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, München
language: English