NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Positive clinical studies using Nanosphere Inc.'s (Nasdaq:NSPH) Verisens™ ultra-sensitive PSA assay (research use only) were presented in moderated poster sessions at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). The test differentiated men with recurrent cancer (median PSA = 22.2 pg/ml) from men with no recurrence (median PSA = 3.2 pg/ml) in a study of 367 men.
The Verisens PSA assay tests for a single, well-known biomarker in blood. The company believes this has a number of advantages over other methods. A small amount of blood is used, rather than biopsied tissue. Using a single biomarker does not require complex algorithms in contrast to some multi-marker approaches. Moreover, testing using Nanosphere's ultra-sensitive PSA assay will help reduce the rising healthcare cost burden associated with unnecessary biopsies and complex genetic lab tests.
This test is a part of Nanosphere's ultra-sensitive protein pipeline that includes a cardiac troponin I test and research on additional biomarkers that require greater sensitivity for cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.
Authors of the study include, William J. Catalona and C. Shad Thaxton from the Department of Urology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chad A. Mirkin from the Northwestern University International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Stacey Loeb from the Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins University.
About Verisens™ PSA (RUO)
Verisens™ PSA is an in-vitro diagnostic assay for the high-sensitivity detection and quantification of prostate specific antigen (PSA). The assay was developed in collaboration with the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University. Currently, it is intended to be performed as a testing service for research use only (see research-use notification below).
For additional information regarding ultra-sensitive protein research collaborations, please contact Nanosphere at biomarkers@nanosphere.us.
RESEARCH USE NOTIFICATION
Nanosphere, Inc. is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to certify in writing that its customers, who purchase or who are supplied with products labeled "For Research Use Only," acknowledge and understand that such products are not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Tests performed with in vitro products intended for "Research Use Only" are tests used in a preclinical or nonclinical setting. While research tests may be performed using either clinical or nonclinical materials, research use devices have no intended clinical use and the testing performed is not designed to provide data addressing or demonstrating safety and effectiveness. We advise our customers to monitor the use of these products, to ensure that they are used for research purposes only. Please contact Nanosphere if you have questions.
About Nanosphere, Inc.
Nanosphere develops, manufactures and markets an advanced molecular diagnostics platform, the Verigene® System, for direct genomic and ultra-sensitive protein detection. This easy to use and cost effective platform enables simple, low cost and highly sensitive genomic and protein testing on a single platform. Nanosphere is based in Northbrook, IL.
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