Metabiomics Selected to Present Molecular Diagnostic Innovations and Growth Strategy at Annual Mid-Atlantic BIO Conference
Potomac Falls, Virginia (September 17, 2012)
Metabiomics, a Northern-VA-based molecular diagnostics firm, was selected by the Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference to present its innovative new approach to colorectal cancer screening to an audience of more than 850 investors, scientists, advisors, investors, and professional service providers from the life sciences community during this year’s annual conference on September 27-28, 2012.
Metabiomics was one of 20 companies selected to participate through an application and review process by a distinguished committee of industry investors and advisors. “We appreciate the recognition and opportunity to present our story at Mid-Atlantic BIO. There is a big need for a non-invasive colon polyp test since colorectal cancer is so preventable if caught early and so deadly if caught late.” said Dr. Thomas Kuehn, President and CEO of Metabiomics. Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths and costs about $14 billion annually to treat in the US. Early detection has been demonstrated to reduce the burden of disease and save lives, yet almost 47% of Americans skip invasive colonoscopy screening tests. There are 143,000 new CRC cases and 52,000 deaths in the US annually, but 60% of these cases are not detected until later stages 3 and 4.
Metabiomics’ approach represents a major breakthrough in cancer prevention that combines some of the hottest advances in medical science. Utilizing next-generation DNA sequencing and computational biology techniques Metabiomics is able to detect a cancer signature because of the way the colon polyps disrupt the sensitive human microbiome and immune system. “This is the first time we’ve been able to analyze the gut microbiome with such precision and detail,” said Dr. Patrick Gillevet, Chief Scientist of Metabiomics, “and if colon polyps or cancer are present, the 10 trillion microbes in your gut know about it and interact with your immune system in a way that we can now detect.”
About the Mid-Atlantic BIO Conference: Recognized as the premier regional bioscience industry conference, the Mid-Atlantic BIO Conference is organized by the Virginia Biotechnology Association, Tech Council of Maryland, Mid-Atlantic Venture Association, and North Carolina Biotechnology Center. The event is being held September 27-28 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference in Bethesda, Maryland. For more information on the conference program visit www.midatlanticbio.org .
Metabiomics Safe Harbor Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the potential results and future outcomes our clinical research and business plan; ability to discover biomarkers and diagnostic tests; our beliefs regarding the need for and value of molecular diagnostics; and the focus and attributes of the company’s product pipeline, including the ability of the company’s tests to impact clinical practice. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the results of clinical and developmental studies; the applicability of clinical study results to actual outcomes; our ability to develop and commercialize new tests and the timing thereof; unanticipated costs or delays in research and development efforts; the applicability of initial next generation sequencing studies to future results; the risk that we may not obtain or maintain reimbursement for diagnostic tests we may develop, both domestically and abroad; our ability to compete against third parties; the risks and uncertainties associated with the regulation of our tests by the FDA and other agencies abroad; and the other risks set forth in the company’s business plans and presentations. These forward- looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Metabiomics disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.