2008-08-18 07:30:00
Initiates Clinical Trials Phase of Test Development Program
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Aug. 18 /EMWNews/ -- Beckman
Coulter, Inc. (NYSE: BEC) announced today that it signed an agreement to
buy out its U.S. royalty obligation to Nephromics LLC, a Chestnut Hill,
Mass.-based company focused on women's health. The license is for tests
related to the detection, monitoring and risk assessment of preeclampsia, a
leading cause of maternal death. In addition, Beckman Coulter obtained
rights to acquire the worldwide diagnostics assets of Nephromics.
"Currently, there are no specific in vitro diagnostic tests for
preeclampsia, even though the disease threatens the lives of thousands of
women and their babies, and places a significant burden on healthcare
systems worldwide," said Mike Whelan, vice president of Beckman Coulter's
High Sensitivity Testing Business Group. "We expect that, once we complete
our development program, these tests will help improve the outcomes of
at-risk pregnancies. It is a powerful example of our commitment to provide
clinical laboratories with the tools that improve patient health and reduce
the cost of care. Our expectations for diagnostic testing related to
maternal and fetal well-being leads us to believe that buying out our U.S.
royalty obligation will create substantial value for our shareholders."
Beckman Coulter has initiated the clinical trial phase of its test
development program. The new tests, expected to be useful as an aid in
helping physicians diagnose preeclampsia, are being developed for use on
the company's family of UniCel(R) DxI and Access(R) immunoassay systems, as
well as UniCel DxCi chemistry-immunoassay work cells. The company plans to
begin offering the tests by the end of 2009.
Preeclampsia, often characterized by hypertension and protein in the
urine, occurs in up to 10 percent of all pregnancies in the developed
world. During preeclampsia, the child is at risk from reduced placental
blood circulation and function. The condition may result in premature
birth, low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome. For the mother,
preeclampsia can mean seizures, brain, liver or other organ damage, even
death. According to the World Health Organization, in the United States
alone, preeclampsia is responsible for 18 percent of all maternal deaths,
80,000 premature births and numerous neonatal complications, and costs more
than $7 billion in healthcare costs annually. With early detection, it may
be possible to provide treatment to prevent serious complications.
About Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter, Inc., based in Orange County, California, develops,
manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate
complex biomedical tests. More than 200,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate
in laboratories around the world, supplying critical information for
improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Recurring revenue,
consisting of supplies, test kits, service and operating-type lease
payments, represents approximately 78 percent of the company's 2007 annual
revenue of $2.76 billion. For more information, visit
http://www.beckmancoulter.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements regarding Beckman Coulter's development of a preeclampsia test.
These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated by these
forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, some of
which may be beyond Beckman Coulter's control. Please see Beckman Coulter's
reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information
about the risks and uncertainties associated with Beckman Coulter's
business. Beckman Coulter disclaims any intention or obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contacts:
Cynthia Skoglund, Mary Luthy,
Investor Relations Corporate Communications
714.773.7620 714.773.7964
[email protected] [email protected]
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