Central Ohio Companies Collaborate to Develop Novel Imaging Technology for Head and Neck Cancers

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Phylogeny, the in situ company, and Neoprobe (OTCBB: NEOP), a diversified developer of innovative biomedical surgical oncology products, announce their collaboration to develop head and neck cancer detection technology.

“It is rare to have two companies that have such complimentary expertise and technologies just a few miles apart”

Neoprobe is currently in Phase III clinical trials to determine the efficacy of Lymphoseek’s ability to improve cancer detection and outcome of patients with head and neck tumors. Lymphoseek is a proprietary radiopharmaceutical, which enables improved medical imaging of cancer cells within the lymphatic system.

Phylogeny will evaluate Lymphoseek’s accuracy in detecting metastatic cells, an important step for FDA approval. Additionally, Phylogeny will act as a central pathology lab for Neoprobe’s clinical trial.

“It is rare to have two companies that have such complimentary expertise and technologies just a few miles apart,” commented Dr. Adel Mikhail, CEO of Phylogeny.

“We are fortunate to have local access to renowned clinics and companies that can help support clinical efforts for a product from inception to the clinic,” said Dr. Fred Cope, Vice President, Pharmaceutical Research and Clinical Development.

Neoprobe has additionally contracted with The Ohio State University for clinical studies and with Cardinal Health for distribution of Lymphoseek.

American Society of Clinical Oncology estimates head and neck cancer accounts for about 5% of all cancers in the United States.

About Phylogeny:

Phylogeny Inc., a CLIA Certified CRO established in 1997, serves the research community as experts in design, implementation, and interpretation of studies aimed at elucidating molecular basis of both disease and fundamental biological processes. www.phylogenyinc.com

About Neoprobe:

Neoprobe is a biomedical company focused on enhancing patient care and improving patient outcome by meeting the critical intraoperative diagnostic information needs of physicians and therapeutic treatment needs of patients. Neoprobe currently markets the neoprobe® GDS line of gamma detection systems that are widely used by cancer surgeons. In addition, Neoprobe holds significant interests in the development of related biomedical systems and radiopharmaceutical agents including Lymphoseek® and RIGScan^TM CR. Neoprobe’s subsidiary, Cira Biosciences, Inc., is also advancing a patient-specific cellular therapy technology platform called ACT. Neoprobe’s strategy is to deliver superior growth and shareholder return by maximizing its strong position in gamma detection technologies and diversifying into new, synergistic biomedical markets through continued investment and selective acquisitions. www.neoprobe.com