DGAP-News: Epigenomics AG Announces Veterans Administration's Adherence Study using Epi proColon(R) Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test

Press release

Epigenomics AG Announces Veterans Administration's Adherence Study using Epi proColon(R) Colorectal Cancer Screening Blood Test

Berlin (Germany) and San Diego, CA (U.S.A.), October 31, 2018 - Epigenomics AG (FSE: ECX, OTCQX: EPGNY) today announced the Veterans Administration - New York Harbor Healthcare System (VA-Manhattan) is commencing a study to assess the adherence impact of offering a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test and colonoscopy completion in patients who have refused colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

The VA-Manhattan has received grants from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and New York Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (NYSGE) to assist in the performance of this study. The study will be managed through The Narrows Institute. Epigenomics will provide testing and budgetary support for testing.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second deadliest cancer in the US. However, CRC is a preventable condition with screening being one of the most impactful public health contributions to prevention. Screening rates are suboptimal due to patient barriers to colonoscopy or stool-based testing. Unscreened patients contribute to approximately 43% of new CRC cases, 70% of CRC deaths, and 76% of CRC treatment expenditures.

The goal of the VA-Manhattan study is to assess the potential of a blood-based test as an acceptable alternative for these screen-resistant individuals. If the proposed study shows high acceptance of the blood test as well as reliable colonoscopy follow up for positive tests, then the blood test could play an important adjunctive role in improving overall screening rates.

"Some people simply don't want colonoscopy or stool-based colorectal cancer screening, so we need to understand how effective alternative methods such as a blood-based test are at engaging these individuals," said Dr. Peter Liang, the study principal investigator and a gastroenterologist at the VA-Manhattan.

"Unscreened patients contribute significantly to new CRC cases, deaths, and treatment costs," said Greg Hamilton, CEO of Epigenomics AG. "Addressing the unscreened challenge with a blood test could unquestionably have an impact to colorectal cancer management. We look forward to the study outcomes as they have the potential to support the use of a blood test on screening-resistant patients."

About Epigenomics

Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company focused on blood-based detection of cancers using its proprietary DNA methylation biomarker technology. The company develops and commercializes diagnostic products across multiple cancer indications with high medical need. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon(R), is a blood-based screening test for the detection of colorectal cancer. Epi proColon has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently marketed in the United States, Europe, and China and selected other countries. Epi proLung(R), a test for lung cancer detection, and HCCBloodTest, a test for liver cancer, have received CE mark in Europe.

For more information, visit www.epigenomics.com.

About Narrows Institute of Biomedical Research & Education, Inc.

The Narrows Institute of Biomedical Research & Education was established to provide a flexible funding mechanism for the conduct of VA-approved research and education protocols, the Narrows Institute began in 1989 as a New York State Nonprofit Research Corporation. The mission is to support and facilitate, directly and indirectly, peer-reviewed, approved research and educational activities at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System (VA NYHHS).

The Narrows, along with the VA NYHHS, consist of the Brooklyn, Manhattan campuses and the St. Albans Community Living Center, as well as, we are affiliated with the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine and the State University of New York (SUNY) at Downstate.

The Narrows, together with VA physicians and their staff, and others who are involved in research throughout the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, are committed to conducting research with the highest regard for the welfare of human subjects. Learning from our predecessor's trials and tribulations, to join forces with our colleagues, and be a champion for Veteran research throughout the Veteran communities.

Contact in the U.S.
David Bull
Director of Marketing
Phone: 240.912.6430
David.Bull@Epigenomics.com

Contact Epigenomics AG
Peter Vogt
Vice President Corporate Communication & Investor Relations
Phone +49 (0) 30 24345 386
ir@epigenomics.com

Epigenomics legal disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.