BioMerieux Licenses Technology From Norchip To Launch A HPV Test For Cervical Cancer Risk Detection

BioMerieux and NorChip announced today that bioMerieux has entered into
a worldwide exclusive license agreement for rights developed by NorChip to
an innovative, m-RNA based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) diagnostic, for early
detection of cervical carcinogenesis. The test will use the NucliSENS
EasyQ(R) platform and be available during the second quarter of 2007.


"We are very pleased to enter this agreement as it increases the
opportunity to prevent cervical cancer, and provide all women,
irrespectively of age, with a better life through improved health," said
Dr. Geir Morland, CEO of NorChip. "An agreement with one of the world
leaders in the field of in vitro diagnostics enables accurate and
cost-effective prevention of cervical cancer worldwide," he added.



"The m-RNA based HPV assay developed by NorChip is an important
addition to our diagnostic portfolio, as it increases significantly our
commercial molecular diagnostic offering," stated Stephane Bancel, Chief
Executive Officer of bioMerieux. "This agreement fits exactly with our
strategy to focus on bringing clinicians diagnostic tests with high-medical
value."



The test will use the m-RNA based HPV detection technology developed
and patented by NorChip and the NASBA(R) Real-Time technology from
bioMerieux. Under the agreement, NorChip will license the patents and
related technology to bioMerieux, who will manufacture and distribute kits
for use with its proprietary NucliSENS EasyQ(R) system. The licensed
technology utilizes the fact that cells integrated with DNA from oncogenic
HPV virus strains express oncogenic proteins based on continuous expression
of abnormal m-RNA. These findings have been published in nine international
peer-reviewed publications, and clinical utility of this approach has been
documented in more than 20 studies covering over 60,000 women. The assay
will be distributed exclusively by bioMerieux with its proprietary
NucliSENS EasyQ(R) system worldwide, except for the Nordic countries, the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. bioMerieux will pay NorChip upfront fees,
milestone payments, as well as royalties on sales.



About Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer



Human Papillomavirus is a group of sexually transmitted viruses that
may be related to the development of cervical cancer. More than 80% of all
adults will have at least one infection with HPV during their lifetime.
However, nearly all these infections may be considered as the "cervical
flu," and have nothing to do with cervical cancer risk. The development of
cervical cancer is related to oncogenic proteins produced by transformed
cells in the woman's cervix. These cells are influenced by certain genetic
sequences from a limited group of HPV-viruses and may develop into cervical
cancer over a period of 10- 25 years. Oncogenic proteins related to the
five HPV-types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 are related to more than 97% of all
cases of HPV-induced cervical cancer in Europe. The NorChip technology
detects the oncogenic expression, and is therefore an accurate and
cost-effective test for cervical cancer prevention.
















About NorChip



NorChip is a research-based company developing and marketing medical
products for clinical diagnosis. NorChip aims to provide people in all
parts of the world with essential health-related information and thereby
increase people's quality of life. NorChip has developed and sells the
PreTect(R) HPV- Proofer assay, the world's first diagnostic test to reveal
early oncogenic activity in cervical cells. This technology provides over
90% sensitivity against cervical cancer and pre-stages of cervical cancer
and is the world's most accurate and cost-effective test for preventing
cervical cancer.



NorChip - Providing people a better life



About bioMerieux



bioMerieux is a leading international diagnostics group that
specializes in the field of in vitro diagnostics for clinical and
industrial applications. bioMerieux designs, develops, manufactures and
markets systems (i.e. reagents, instruments and software) used in:


- Clinical applications: the diagnosis of infectious diseases such as
hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis and respiratory illnesses, as well as
pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, based on the
analysis of biological samples (such as blood, saliva or urine); and


- Industrial applications: the microbiological analysis of food,
environments (such as water and air), surfaces and pharmaceutical and
cosmetic products, based on the analysis of product or environmental
samples.



In 2006, bioMerieux sales reached 1,037 million euros. The company is
present in more than 150 countries through 35 subsidiaries and a large
network of distributors, which positions the company well to benefit from
the growth potential of the in vitro diagnostics market.



bioMerieux is listed on the Eurolist of Euronext, Paris (FR0010096479 -
BIM). Other information can be found at biomerieux-usa.


bioMerieux

biomerieux-usa