Diagnostics, News & Events

Roche NimbleGen Inc., and Affymetrix Inc. announced that they have expanded the terms of the license to a number of Affymetrix patents originally granted in October 2006. The expanded license now provides certain diagnostic rights for array-based DNA copy number analysis and array-based re-sequencing in addition to covering the manufacture, use and sale of nucleic acid microarrays and related products and services in the research field.

Exelixis Inc. announced that Genentech Inc. has exercised its option to further develop and commercialize Exelixis' compound XL518, a selective and potent inhibitor of MEK, which is currently in a phase 1 clinical trial. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement between the parties, Exelixis will continue to be responsible for the phase 1 clinical trial until the point that a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. After MTD is achieved, Genentech will be responsible for completing the phase 1 clinical trial and subsequent clinical development.

CytoCore Inc. announced its first U.S. distribution agreement and first U.S. order for its SoftPAP(TM) cell collector, the revolutionary sample collection device, with Comedical Inc. The SoftPAP Cervical Cell Collector offers a quicker, more accurate specimen collection for the Pap test with minimal possibility of user error. SoftPAP is designed to collect a full 360 degree specimen from both the cervical canal and the outer surface of the cervix, simultaneously resulting in a more complete and comprehensive specimen for testing.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. intends to launch its oncology products in the United States and Europe, with a target of $100 million revenue per year.

Third Wave Technologies Inc. announced that the company has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of its InPlex(TM) CF Molecular Test. The test simultaneously detects and identifies cystic fibrosis mutations in patient DNA samples. The InPlex(TM) CF Molecular Test delivers the accuracy of Third Wave's Invader(R) chemistry in an easy-to-use microfluidic card developed in collaboration with 3M Co.

Medivation Inc. announced that clinical results from its first pivotal trial of Dimebon showed that behavioral symptoms were stabilized in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) over a one-year period, resulting in decreased caregiver distress. Benefits of Dimebon were seen across most behavioral symptoms and were most prominent in the symptoms of depression, apathy, hallucinations, irritability and motor disturbance.

Digirad Corporation will showcase its latest work-in-progress during ACC.08, the American College of Cardiology's 57th Annual Scientific Session and Exposition to be held, in Chicago. Digirad's Cardius X-ACT, a dedicated cardiac SPECT system, is expected to set a new clinical standard with X-ACT attenuation correction. The system uses the Cardius-3 XPO camera's solid state detectors with an x-ray tube.

X-Rite Inc. introduced ColorMunki (TM), a breakthrough in both price and performance. Based on X-Rite and Pantone's deep understanding of the photo and design communities, ColorMunki solutions are the industry's first easy-to-use, convergent technologies developed specifically to feed the artistic imagination of creative professionals at an affordable price.

STAAR Surgical Co. announced that the Afinity Collamer(R) Aspheric foldable intraocular lens (IOL) Model CQ2015A has been designated as a New Technology Intraocular Lens (NTIOL) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To receive NTIOL recognition an IOL must first be an FDA approved IOL with labeling and advertising consistent with the specific claim or characteristic for which CMS approval is being sought.

Nanogen Inc. announced that it has entered into agreements with the holders of its 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2010 issued on August 27, 2007 to restructure the indebtedness. In the restructuring, the holders of 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes will exchange an aggregate $12.9 million in principal amount of the Old Notes with the Company's 9.75% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2010 with an aggregate principal amount of $15.5 million.