VANCOUVER, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - Med BioGene Inc. (TSX Venture: MBI) is pleased to announce that it has entered the development and validation phase for its Cardiovascular Disease Profiling System(TM). As part of the validation phase, MBI will continue to identify the genes, or "biomarkers", which mark the presence of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease accounts for the death of more Canadians and Americans than any other disease, killing each year approximately 75,000 Canadians (Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation) and 480,000 Americans (American Heart Association). MBI is also pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with the Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation (OHI), the clinical and contract research arm of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Under the agreement, MBI and OHI will conduct a joint pilot project to develop and validate the genetic biomarkers in respect of cardiovascular disease. The specific terms of the agreement are confidential. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute was founded in 1976 has become an international centre of excellence for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of cardiovascular disease through patient care, research and education. Dr. Robert Roberts, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, stated "We are pleased to undertake this joint pilot project with Med BioGene. The analysis of gene expression represents a paradigm shift from the traditional single-molecule approach to the evaluation of gene regulatory networks and it is important to understand its implications for, and uses in, cardiology." Erinn B. Broshko, Chief Executive Officer of MBI, stated "We are excited to enter this phase as we aggressively develop the genetic signature for people suffering from cardiovascular disease. In addition to using these biomarkers as an accurate and rapid diagnostic tool that relies entirely on a blood test, there is an increasing consensus in the medical community that effective biomarkers can be utilized to unlock innovation in therapeutic development and treatment. With a robust set of qualified biomarkers in respect of cardiovascular disease, the safety of new therapeutics will be increased, products will get to patients in less time and treatment decisions will be tailored more effectively to the needs of each patient. The development of these biomarkers is the first step towards personalized medicine." About Med BioGene MBI is a biotechnology company with advanced research and development in gene expression technology. MBI is utilizing its expertise in gene expression to identify those genes, known as "biomarkers," which mark the presence of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. MBI is currently focused on developing biomarkers for lymphoma and leukemia through its Hematological Cancer Profiling System(TM), and for cardiovascular disease through its Cardiovascular Disease Profiling System(TM). The TX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "projects," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. 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You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. This forward-looking information does not reflect the potential impact of any future partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments MBI may make. All forward-looking information is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement and MBI undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this press release, other than as required by applicable law. %SEDAR: 00023675E