Siemens announces study results of new imaging Biomaker

Moving personalized medicine from promise to practice, Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare ) announces the early study findings of a new imaging biomarker for hypoxic tumors. The study, done in collaboration with Dr. Jian Q. (Michael) Yu, and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, was presented today at the World Molecular Imaging Conference in Nice, France. This imaging biomarker is intended for exclusive world wide distribution by PETNET Solutions, a fully owned Siemens subsidiary.

The results of the safety study indicated that HX4, a new imaging biomarker developed at Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research, is safe for use in human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies. The study included initial human data regarding bio-distribution of the new agent, radiation dosimetry levels in normal volunteers and optimal patient imaging parameters with PET. Results of the study indicated that the compound was found to be stable for imaging at 145 minutes post injection, that it would safely clear the body through urinary elimination and that there were very low dose accumulations in major organs.

“Being able to image hypoxic tumors may significantly change the management of disease in cancer patients. The prognostic value of this level of information can effectively improve quality of life for oncology patients, offering them potential for personalized and possibly more effective treatment,” said Hartmuth Kolb, vice president, Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research. “Siemens is committed to developing new methods to visualize disease processes with new imaging biomarkers in conjunction with our molecular imaging technology so that, ultimately, providers can detect and manage the treatment of disease much earlier.”

Hypoxic cells are clinically problematic and tend to be less responsive to standard treatment regimens. A probe that measures hypoxia could prove quite a useful tool for oncologists. The development of an imaging biomarker that selectively identifies hypoxic tumor cells could help radiation oncologists tailor specific treatment options to most efficiently manage disease.

Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research facility in Los Angeles is dedicated solely to the discovery and development of new imaging biomarkers to spur the growth of in vivo molecular diagnostics. The facility houses scientists dedicated to the discovery of new imaging agents and their clinical development, with the goal of bringing several new agents to the market over the next five to 10 years. Research and development efforts conducted at the facility focus largely on oncology and neurology, and also include other areas, such as inflammation and microfluidics/nanotechnology research.

PETNET Solutions operates the largest PET radiopharmacy network with more than 50 radiopharmacies and distribution centers worldwide to produce and distribute PET radiopharmaceuticals to hospitals, clinics, and research facilities for PET imaging. PETNET Solutions is currently growing its network of radiopharmacies to promote global PET utilization. As molecular imaging evolves, PETNET Solutions delivers products and services that expand the value of PET to providers, referring physicians and patients. PETNET Solutions is delivering, expanding, and advancing the science of PET through high quality PET tracers. Further information can be found by visiting www.petnetsolutions.com.

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare .

The Fox Chase Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center research facility and hospital located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The center is an independent, non-profit institution which specializes in the treatment and prevention of cancer. The center was formed in 1974 by the merger of the American Oncologic Hospital, which was founded in 1904 as the first cancer hospital in the United States, and the Institute for Cancer Research, founded in 1927. In 1995, Fox Chase also became a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of 21 of the nation’s leading academic cancer centers. Fox Chase's 100- bed hospital is one of the few facilities in the country devoted entirely to cancer care. Involved in more than 170 clinical trials of new prevention, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, Fox Chase also participates in national and international trials testing new agents that  may prevent cancer. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.fccc.edu .