Stroke Biomarkers

Proteome Sciences PLC 29 July 2004 Proteome Sciences plc PRESS RELEASE For immediate release PROTEOME SCIENCES' STROKE BIOMARKERS Proteome Sciences plc ('the company') announces that, although the evaluation of its stroke biomarkers is continuing to progress well, due to the need to further evaluate recent data relating specifically to this research programme, Biosite Incorporated ('Biosite') does not intend to include these markers on its first generation stroke panel, which is currently under late-stage development. These issues are currently being addressed, and Biosite is continuing to evaluate the markers for use on future generations of the panel, which may have extended applications. Gunars Valkirs, VP Biosite Discovery commented: 'Our collaborative work to date with Proteome Sciences reinforces our commitment to continuing to work together. We will continue to evaluate the Proteome stroke markers for inclusion in future panels'. Christopher Pearce, CEO, Proteome Sciences commented: 'The validation of the company's biomarkers for stroke continues to progress well and the recent data presented at the 5th World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada in June clearly demonstrates the potential of our markers for the early diagnosis of stroke, particularly within the most important 3 hour window within which therapy must be started. We remain confident that these markers have strong utility for the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for a range of new applications and are pleased that Biosite continue to work diligently to evaluate our markers for potential inclusion on their point-of-care platform. 'We continue to progress discussions with other parties for licensing of the company's stroke biomarkers for high-throughput, central laboratory testing applications. As noted in the Chairman's Statement in the 2003 Report and Accounts, this sector accounts for over 90% of the total market, with POC accounting for between 5% and 10%. 'A further update on general commercial progress will be given at the AGM on the 4th August, 2004.' ENDS For further information please contact: Proteome Sciences plc Christopher Pearce, Chief Executive: christopher.pearce@proteomics.com James Malthouse, Finance Director: james.malthouse@proteomics.com James Green, Commercial Director: james.green@proteomics.com Ian Pike, Business Development Director: ian.pike@proteomics.com Tel: +44 (0)1932 865065 www.proteomics.com Public Relations for Proteome Sciences Ikon Associates Adrian Shaw: adrian@ikonassociates.com Tel: +44 (0)1483 535102 Mobile: +44 (0)797 9900733 Notes to Editors: Proteome Sciences plc applies high sensitivity proteomics to identify and characterise differential protein expression in diseases for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic applications. It has to date developed sensitive blood assays for stroke, vCJD, BSE, solid organ transplant rejection and Alzheimer's disease. The main focus of its research currently addresses neurological, neurodegenerative, diabetes/obesity, oncology and cardiovascular conditions. The process of commercialisation is being actively pursued across the portfolio of the Company's programmes and to date licensing deals have been signed for the commercialisation of tests for stroke and TSEs. Proteome Sciences is headquartered in Cobham, Surrey in the UK and has laboratories at King's College Hospital, London and in Frankfurt. It employs 40 full time scientists, in addition to its corporate and business development staff. The Company is listed on the Alternative Investment Market. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange