P2X7 Biomarker can Signal Cell’s Potential to Develop Cancer

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CytoCore (OTCBB:CYCR) announced today that new findings based on laboratory testing of the P2X7 receptor gene indicate that this unique biomarker is capable of distinguishing between cancerous, pre-cancerous and normal tissues. The P2X7 is thereby the first biomarker to detect a cell’s potential to develop cancer.

These findings, confirming the sensitivity of the P2X7 to identify pre-malignant endometrial cancers in women, have been published in a new paper titled “Decreased Expression of P2X7 in Endometrial Epithelial Pre-Cancerous and Cancer Cells” in the journal Gynecologic Oncology, the official publication of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

The research study was conducted by a team directed by Dr. George Gorodeski, CytoCore’s Director, Scientific-Medical Advisory Board, Chief Scientist and Lead Researcher. Data from Dr. Gorodeski's study also suggest that P2X7 protein and mRNA assays could potentially be developed as a screen for uterine endometrial pre-malignant conditions.

"Dr. Gorodeski’s groundbreaking work with the P2X7 opens up significant new early treatment options for at-risk individuals. The range of capabilities associated with this unique gene are the basis for the Uterine Cancer Screening assay we currently have in trials,” said Richard Domanik, CytoCore’s President. “All major U.S. health organizations are prompting early detection of cancer as the key to saving lives and reducing costs associated with later stage treatments."

"The P2X7 has demonstrated accuracy and specificity in results from our initial laboratory testing for uterine epithelial cancers, including cervical and endometrial cancers,” said Dr. Gorodeski. "Moreover, because of its widespread presence in epithelial cells throughout the body, the P2X7 could potentially differentiate pre-cancerous conditions in other epithelial tissues not yet tested."

The unique nature of the P2X7 cancer biomarker was validated in a recent exhaustive literature search of peer-reviewed medical literature conducted by CytoCore’s intellectual property law firm. Results from the literature search confirmed that the P2X7 is the only marker at this time able to identify pre-cancerous tissues before tumors develop.

The Gynecologic Oncology paper cited above, as well as abstracts of two earlier articles based on Dr. Gorodeski’s groundbreaking research on the P2X7, are available on CytoCore’s web site:

i. Journal of Biological Chemistry 281:17228, April 2006. “Unique Characteristics of the P2X7 Receptor”

ii. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 15:1, October 2006. “The P2X7 Receptor: A Novel Biomarker of Uterine Epithelial Cancers”

About CytoCore Inc.

CytoCore develops cost-effective cancer screening systems, which can be utilized in a laboratory or at the point-of-care, to assist in the early detection of cervical, endometrial, and other cancers. The InPath™ System is being developed to provide medical practitioners with highly accurate, low-cost, cervical and uterine cancer screening systems that can be seamlessly integrated into existing medical models. More information is available at: www.CytoCoreInc.com.

Dr. Gorodeski has a significant financial interest in this research consisting of equity and fees as consultant and Director of the Scientific Advisory Board of CytoCore. Dr. Gorodeski’s invention licensed to CytoCore could generate royalty income for Dr. Gorodeski, for University Hospitals of Cleveland, and for CASE University.

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking. These statements are based on CytoCore’s current expectations and involve many risks and uncertainties, such as the company’s inability to obtain sufficient financing, the possibility that clinical trials will not substantiate CytoCore’s expectations with respect to the InPath™ System, and other factors set forth in reports and documents filed by CytoCore with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from CytoCore’s current expectation depending upon a number of factors affecting the Company’s business. These factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company’s periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Except as expressly required by law, CytoCore undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.