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Press release February 27, 2006:

OncoVista Acquires Controlling Interest in AdnaGen AG

SAN ANTONIO, TX and LANGENHAGEN, Germany -- 23 February 2006 -- OncoVista, Inc. ("OncoVista" or the "Company") has acquired a controlling interest in AdnaGen AG ("AdnaGen"), based in Langenhagen, Germany. AdnaGen has developed and is marketing novel tests for the early detection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). AdnaGen is currently marketing tests in Europe for breast and colon cancer. Efforts are underway to obtain U.S. F.D.A. approval to market these tests in the U.S.
"AdnaGen's proprietary technology for rapid and sensitive detection of CTCs and analysis of the prognostic markers they express is unique. Integration of this technology into clinical trials will greatly improve our ability to select patients who will respond to targeted therapy and to provide clinicians with rapid feedback concerning the effectiveness of therapy. The ability to monitor the expression of tumor-specific markers during therapy is a significant step toward "personalized medicine" and will reduce the time it takes to bring new therapies to patients" said Alexander L. Weis, Ph.D., President and CEO of OncoVista.
"We are very excited about integrating our kits and applications for our novel technology with OncoVista's drug development activities" said Winfried Albert, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer of AdnaGen. "Through our relationship with OncoVista, we are looking forward to the introduction of our kits into the global oncology market and demonstrating the substantial value of our technology in detecting and analyzing circulating tumors cells" said Dr. Albert.

About OncoVista
OncoVista is a privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of more effective and less toxic drugs for the treatment of cancer and related life-threatening diseases. The Company is building a balanced product portfolio through the acquisition of novel Phase I and Phase II cancer therapies and through two internally-developed platform technologies. OncoVista creates value by applying its extensive clinical development expertise and worldwide experience in regulatory approval and registration to the rapid development of cancer therapies.
For more information, visit www.oncovista.com

About AdnaGen
AdnaGen, founded in 1999, is a privately held biotechnology research and development company based in Langenhagen, Germany that focuses on the development of innovative tumor diagnostics by utilizing its proprietary technology for the detection and analysis of rare cells. Kits for metastatic breast and colon cancer are CE-marked and currently marketed in Europe. AdnaGen is ISO 9001 and EN 13485 certified.
For more information, go to www.adnagen.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this press release about OncoVista's or AdnaGen's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," and "would." For example, statements concerning intellectual property, future development, the potential of the cancer therapeutics market, payment of license fees and royalties, regulatory and commercial milestones, and future growth are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections in a forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that AdnaGen's intellectual property will be infringed or invalidated, (ii) the risk that OncoVista's development of cancer therapeutics will not be successful, (iii) the risk that the cancer therapeutics market may not grow as expected, (iv) the risk that OncoVista may not be able to maintain its current corporate collaborations, including those with AdnaGen, or enter into new ones, and (v) the risk that OncoVista may not enter new cancer therapeutic markets successfully or economically. OncoVista assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events.

Contact:

OncoVista, Inc.
Alexander L. Weis, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(210) 863-6813
a.weis@oncovista.com

AdnaGen AG
Winfried H. Albert, Ph.D.
Chief Operating Officer
+49 511-72 59 50 50
wa@adnagen.com

Press release January 03, 2005:

Gen-Probe Licenses Technology from AdnaGen That May Increase Accuracy of Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Cancer

-- Innovative 'Immunocapture' Technology Combined with NAT Also May Help Determine Aggressiveness of Malignancies and Aid in Patient Monitoring --

SAN DIEGO, CA, and LANGENHAGEN / HANOVER, GERMANY, January 3, 2005 -- Gen-Probe (NASDAQ: GPRO) has licensed technology from AdnaGen, a private company based in Germany, that may help increase the accuracy of molecular diagnostic tests to detect prostate and other cancers, help determine the aggressiveness of these malignancies, and monitor responses to therapy.
AdnaGen's proprietary technology enables detection of rare, circulating tumor cells that are an early event in cancer metastasis. This is accomplished through two steps that combine the benefits of immunoassay and nucleic acid testing. First, cancerous cells are isolated from healthy cells using a mixture of specific monoclonal antibodies linked to magnetic particles. Second, the RNA inside the captured cells is released and amplified to identify expressed genes that are markers for specific cancers. This combination of technologies increases both the sensitivity and specificity of cancer cell detection in body fluids such as blood and urine.
"This agreement with AdnaGen gives Gen-Probe access to innovative technology that supports our long-term strategy to become a leader in cancer diagnostics," said Henry L. Nordhoff, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Gen-Probe. "We believe our PCA3 prostate cancer test could be a breakthrough based solely on our current technology platform, but incorporating AdnaGen's innovative technology into a combination product could yield markedly improved sensitivity and specificity, as well as greater prognostic value. We also expect to apply AdnaGen's technology to future assays for other cancers."
Prostate cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat because the aggressiveness of tumors can be difficult to determine. As a result, new diagnostic tools that enhance understanding of this cancer, and potentially improve the types and timing of medical intervention, are of great potential benefit.
Under the terms of the agreement, Gen-Probe will gain exclusive access to AdnaGen technology for molecular diagnostic tests for prostate and bladder cancers. Gen-Probe will pay AdnaGen license fees of $1 million within 30 days of signing, and $750,000 in the first quarter of 2006 or upon patent issuance, whichever comes later. Gen-Probe also may pay AdnaGen three milestones totaling an additional $2.25 million based on certain regulatory and commercial events. In addition, Gen-Probe will pay AdnaGen royalties on sales of any products developed using AdnaGen's technology.

Gen-Probe retains options to obtain exclusive licenses to use AdnaGen's technology in molecular diagnostic tests for kidney, ovarian and cervical cancer. If Gen-Probe exercises these options, the Company would pay AdnaGen $250,000 for each additional cancer product. In addition, Gen-Probe retains a three-year "right of first refusal" to negotiate with AdnaGen on exclusive rights to molecular diagnostic tests for breast, colon and lung cancers.
"By combining AdnaGen's technological advancement in tumor diagnostics with Gen-Probe's impressive track record of successfully taking innovative products to the market, we believe that the cooperation between AdnaGen and Gen-Probe is very likely to become a success," commented Winfried H. Albert, chief operating officer and chief scientific officer of AdnaGen. "The joined expertise will facilitate a speedy adaptation of AdnaGen's technology onto Gen-Probe's technology platform as well as a timely introduction of the novel tumor diagnostics." "This agreement will also contribute to the credibility of AdnaGen's technology with potential new investors," added Axel Deuring, chief financial officer of AdnaGen.
Capel Thompson & Homer (Guildford, UK), business development advisors to companies in the health sciences field and affiliate of the Ferghana Partners Group (New York and London) specialist investment bank, acted as financial and transaction advisors to AdnaGen on this agreement with Gen-Probe.

About Gen-Probe

Gen-Probe Incorporated is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of rapid, accurate and cost-effective nucleic acid tests for diagnosing human diseases and screening donated human blood. Using its patented technologies, Gen-Probe has received FDA approvals or clearances for a broad portfolio of products that detect a variety of infectious microorganisms, including those causing sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, strep throat, pneumonia and fungal infections. In addition, Gen-Probe's TIGRIS® instrument is the only fully automated, high-throughput system in the molecular diagnostics industry. The Company also developed and manufactures the only FDA-approved blood screening assay for the simultaneous detection of HIV-1 and HCV, which is marketed by Chiron Corporation. Gen-Probe has more than 20 years of nucleic acid detection research and product development experience, and its products are used daily in clinical laboratories and blood collection centers throughout the world. Gen-Probe is headquartered in San Diego, California and employs approximately 900 people. For more information, go to www.gen-probe.com.

About AdnaGen

AdnaGen AG, founded in 1999, is a privately held biotechnology research and development company based in Langenhagen / Hanover, Germany that focuses on the development of innovative tumor diagnostics by utilizing its proprietary technology for the detection and analysis of rare cells. Through the sensitive and accurate detection of disseminated tumor cells in body fluids and biological samples, AdnaGen has developed tumor diagnostics of superior clinical value. Proof-of-concept has been achieved and clinical studies have been concluded or are in progress for breast, colon and prostate cancer. All tests are CE-marked. AdnaGen has 14 employees, and since 2001 is certified according to ISO 9001 and EN 13485. For more information, go to www.adnagen.com

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about Gen-Probe's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," and "would." For example, statements concerning intellectual property, future development, the potential of the cancer diagnostics market, payment of license fees and royalties, regulatory and commercial milestones, and future growth are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections in the forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that AdnaGen's intellectual property will be infringed or invalidated, (ii) the risk that Gen-Probe's development of cancer diagnostics will not be successful, (iii) the risk that the cancer diagnostics market may not grow as expected, (iv) the risk that Gen-Probe may not be able to maintain its current corporate collaborations, including with AdnaGen, or enter into new ones, and (v) the risk that Gen-Probe may not enter new cancer diagnostic markets successfully or economically. For additional information about risks and uncertainties Gen-Probe faces and a discussion of the Company's financial statements and footnotes, see documents filed with the SEC, including the Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2004 and all periodic filings made with the SEC. Gen-Probe assumes no obligation and expressly disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events.

Contact:

Gen-Probe
Michael Watts
Sr. director, investor relations and
corporate communications
+1 858-410-8673

AdnaGen
Winfried Albert, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific & Operating Officer
+49 511-72 59 50 50

This press release as pdf file

Pressemitteilung zum Lizenzvertrag zwischen Gen-Probe und AdnaGen in deutsch

Press release September 12, 2003:

Change in the Executive Board of AdnaGen AG

On its meeting on September 8, 2003, the Supervisory Board of the Hanover based biotech company AdnaGen AG has decided to release the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stefanie Waschütza, from her duties with immediate effect.

In the future, AdnaGen AG will be headed jointly and with equal rights by the Chief Scientific and Operating Officer, Dr. Winfried Albert, who has many years of management experience in the diagnostics industry, and the Chief Financial Officer Axel Deuring.

AdnaGen AG has developed kits for the prognosis and for the monitoring of tumor diseases, which demonstrated excellent results in initial clinical trials.

Bernd Aundrup, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the AdnaGen AG and former President of the pharma company Asta Medica, commented: 'Under the new joint leadership of the company this kind of tumor diagnosis ought to be established as a new standard in the market. Presently, AdnaGen is carrying on negotiations with large players in the diagnostics industry, which are interested to market these tumor diagnostics'.

Press release March 21, 2003:

artus and AdnaGen conclude a cooperation agreement for the development and distribution of clinical diagnostics

++ The key are the genes: If and how a person tolerates therapeutic drugs depends on its individual genetic profile. Patients can receive optimized treatment if the genetic make-up is known to the physician. Severe adverse drug reactions, which sometimes can lead to death, can be avoided, hospital expenses can be reduced. AdnaGen AG has developed special diagnostic tools to serve these purposes. The Hannover based company and artus GmbH have just signed a cooperation agreement covering the joint development, production and distribution of diagnostic test-kits in the field of pharmacogenetics.

Within the framework of the cooperation AdnaGen has developed diagnostic tools, which help to optimize the chemotherapy of the cancer patient. artus will produce and market these diagnostic kits. The expanding Hamburg based company can rely on its world wide net of distributors and on its own branches in the USA and in Malaysia. "The advantages of the cooperation for artus and AdnaGen is the bundling of forces of both enterprises to conquer new markets", Michael Tillmann, managing director of artus, said at signing the contract on Monday, March 10. Dr. Winfried Albert, executive board director of AdnaGen AG, added that "Combining AdnaGen´s expertise in the development of CE-certified genetic diagnostics and artus´ production and distribution logistics is an important step for both companies towards higher profitability".

Till today, drug induced severe side effects are the fourth frequent cause of death (Lazarou J et al., JAMA 279, 1200-05, 1998): The body uses enzymes to degrade toxic but also therapeutically active substances. If there is a genetically based loss of enzyme activity, patients may endure severe to deadly adverse side effects. It depends on the sequence and hence structure of the genes that the enzymes can unfold their full activity. With the new RealArt diagnostic kits one can investigate if the patient is producing enzymes with impaired activity. Then the concentration of the drug or even the chemotherapeutic drug itself might be changed. "The aim of artus´ and AdnaGen´s cooperation is the improvement of the well being of the tumor patients by providing the means for a better regimen of intrinsically harmful chemotherapeutic drugs", Tillmann said.

artus GmbH is specialized on the development and the distribution of diagnostic kits based on the real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. A wide range of kits, vested with a PCR-license, allows applications in the human and veterinary diagnosis of viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases.

AdnaGen AG develops human diagnostics in the fields of pharmacogenetics, ecogenetics and genetic predisposition testing and procedures for the detection and analysis of circulating tumor cells in cancer patients for therapeutic monitoring and of fetal cells in maternal blood for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations.