News Release

2005/12/31

Perseus and CMIC announce the successful development of a novel diagnostic test kit capable of predicting atherosclerosis risk

Perseus Proteomics Inc. CIMIC.,Ltd

Perseus and CMIC announce the successful development of a novel diagnostic test kit capable of predicting atherosclerosis risk
[Risk of atherosclerosis is predicted based on the detection of a novel biomarker for the early stages of vascular inflammation.

Perseus Proteomics Inc. (Tokyo, Japan, `Perseus', CEO: Kazuyuki Matsuda) and CMIC Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan, `CMIC', CEO: Kazuo Nakamura) have established a high sensitivity PTX3 detection method, which we expect to be a breakthrough biomarker capable of predicting patients�f risk of atherosclerosis in the earliest stages. We will start selling PTX3 ELISA kits for research use next year. PTX3 (Pentraxin 3) is a protein secreted into the blood by the vascular endothelium during the early stages of vascular injury and inflammation. Unlike CRP or cholesterol, the current biomarkers for atherosclerosis which are secreted from the liver, PTX3 is secreted directly from the vascular site of atherosclerosis. We believe that by measuring PTX3 levels we can detect the patients�f risk of developing atherosclerosis in the earliest stages. The pioneering researchers for PTX3 recently held an international conference in Milan, Italy on September 15, 2005, at which the high sensitivity PTX3 ELISA kit developed by Perseus received high praise for its detection performance. They collectively decided to continue scientific research utilizing our PTX3 kit as the standard method for detection. In addition, Perseus and CMIC continue collaboration to demonstrate the clinical significance of PTX3. Currently, researchers at The Istituto Clinico Humanitas in Italy, Harvard University, and the University of Tokyo are organizing a project team to examine the clinical effectiveness of PTX3. Perseus will start selling our high sensitivity PTX3 ELISA kits next year, while Perseus and CMIC will provide PTX3 assay services for research institutes, universities, doctors in general practice and pharmaceutical companies. We expect to be independently licensed to perform in-vitro diagnostic testing in clinical use by 2008. Perseus and CMIC aim to contribute actively to improving disease management and quality of life through the development of PTX3. Please contact; Perseus Proteomics Inc.: IR office www.ppmx.com / irpr@ppmx.com CMIC Co.,Ltd. : IR and PR office www.cmic.co.jp / irpr@cmic.co.jp About Perseus Proteomics Inc. Perseus Proteomics is a biopharmaceutical company, which develops antibody-based therapeutics and diagnostics through the most advanced in transcriptome database analysis and monoclonal antibody generation technologies transfered from the Laboratory for Systems Biology and Medicine at the University of Tokyo. About CMIC Co., Ltd. CMIC, Japan�fs leading CRO (Contract research organization), offers development services by supporting pharmaceutical companies maximize their values. CMIC develops its own diagnostics in contribution to advancement in disease management. Currently, CMIC develops the L-FABP diagnostic kit for monitoring the progression of renal disease. In 2004, CMIC & Perseus agreed to form a partnership for the development of PTX3.

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