Fujirebio Diagnostics Honored with Pioneer Award from Meso Foundation

MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Noting a steadfast dedication and contribution to researching mesothelioma, an asbestos-linked cancer, the Meso Foundation recently bestowed a Pioneer Award to Fujirebio Diagnostics. The company, whose MESOMARK^®test was introduced earlier this year, was presented with the award at the Meso Foundation’s annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma. MESOMARK is the world’s first and only in-vitro test for monitoring mesothelioma.

“This award is sound testament that MESOMARK is truly making a difference in the lives of mesothelioma patients, helping to better manage their care.”

The Meso Foundation’s Pioneer Award honors individuals and companies who are leading the way to a more promising future for mesothelioma patients through their scientific and medical contributions. A second time recipient of the award, this is the first year Fujirebio Diagnostics is being honored exclusively. In 2005, the company was recognized along with three other industry “pioneers” for their contributions toward advancing care for the mesothelioma community.

“Fujirebio Diagnostics has invested significant resources in a disease many companies have historically shied away from because of its low incidence rate,” said Chris Hahn, executive director of The Meso Foundation. “We applaud Fujirebio Diagnostics not only for its unwavering commitment to mesothelioma research, but for all its hard work and success in bringing the MESOMARK test to market. Finally, there is a valuable, readily available tool to monitor response to therapy and watch for recurrence in patients afflicted with this aggressive disease.”

Between 1979 and 2001, at least 43,000 people died from mesothelioma.¹ This number could be even higher, since this type of cancer is often misdiagnosed and has only been tracked as a cause of death since 1999. Approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) program on January 24, 2007, and available nationally to physicians through a partnership between Fujirebio Diagnostics and ARUP Laboratories, the MESOMARK assay was developed to measure levels of SMRP in serum of patients diagnosed with biphasic or epithelioid mesothelioma. Via this simple blood test, physicians can monitor patients confirmed as having the disease for recurrence following surgery, or for measuring response to therapies.

“Since introducing the MESOMARK test, the response from both physicians and patients has been overwhelmingly positive as we continue to see increased usage month after month,” said Monte Wiltse, vice president of marketing and sales for Fujirebio Diagnostics. “This award is sound testament that MESOMARK is truly making a difference in the lives of mesothelioma patients, helping to better manage their care.”

Mesothelioma affects the sac lining the chest, the abdominal cavity or the area around the heart. Many people with this cancer have been employed in environments where they inhaled asbestos, such as in the shipbuilding and construction industries. Most insulation and construction materials manufactured before the mid-1970s contained asbestos, including insulation on pipes and boilers; fireproofing spray; roof, floor, and ceiling tiles; and automobile brakes and clutches. Currently, more than 100 million people worldwide have been exposed to asbestos through their professions over the years – often unknowingly – including insulators, boilermakers, plumbers and maintenance workers. It is estimated that 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide.

About Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.

Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. is a premier diagnostics company and the industry leader in biomarker assays. Fujirebio Diagnostics specializes in the clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of in-vitro diagnostic products for the management of human disease states, with an emphasis in oncology. Fujirebio Diagnostics is one of the group companies of Miraca Holdings Inc. in Japan, set up in July 2005 to combine Fujirebio Inc., the leading in-vitro diagnostics company, and SRL, Inc., the top provider of clinical laboratory testing services in Japan. Fujirebio Diagnostics has a worldwide distribution network, which enables physicians and patients to access its diagnostic products. For more information about Fujirebio Diagnostics, please call 610-240-3800 or visit www.fdi.com.

¹ Environmental Working Group