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Varian, Inc. and LipoScience, Inc. to Co-Develop NMR System for Clinical Diagnostic Testing
28 April 2005
Varian, Inc. (Nasdaq: VARI - News) today announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with LipoScience, Inc., a privately held medical technology company, to develop the first NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) system for use in high volume clinical diagnostic testing laboratories. The lead application will be LipoScience's flagship product, the NMR LipoProfile blood test. The NMR LipoProfile test is a simple blood test which has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be superior to LDL-cholesterol in predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) events.
Together, Varian and LipoScience will develop an FDA-approved integrated NMR system to be deployed for use with the NMR LipoProfile test in clinical laboratories worldwide. The system will consist of an NMR subsystem, based on Varian's recently released NMR System, an integrated autosampler and LipoScience's proprietary technology to provide clinically superior diagnostic information.
Unlike traditional cholesterol tests or lipid panels, the NMR LipoProfile test uses NMR spectroscopy to measure the actual number of dangerous LDL particles that build up in the arteries and cause heart disease. Without the tools to measure these LDL particles directly, doctors have traditionally estimated their number by measuring the cholesterol they contain- known as LDL cholesterol (or LDL-C).
Patients with a high number of LDL particles (LDL-P) are at highest risk for heart disease, even if they have "normal" cholesterol levels. By knowing how many of these particles are circulating in the blood, a patient and their doctor can get a more accurate picture of their heart health. The doctor can then design a more focused and effective treatment plan for fighting heart disease.
"Developing this new NMR system with LipoScience fits very well with our strategy of making NMR a smaller, easier-to-use integrated system," said Garry W. Rogerson, President and CEO, Varian, Inc. "We believe the system we develop with LipoScience will accelerate our strategy of developing an NMR system with broader appeal in research applications."
"Developing this new NMR system with Varian accelerates our strategy of making our technology available for broad use in clinical laboratories worldwide," said Richard O. Brajer, President and CEO, LipoScience, Inc. "We believe the NMR LipoProfile test is the first of many applications that will establish magnetic resonance diagnostics as a clinical standard of care."
Varian, Inc. is a global leader in the manufacture of spectrometers and imaging magnets with an installed base of more than 3,000 systems worldwide. NMR systems are among Varian, Inc.'s information rich detection offerings, which provide users with multi-dimensional layers of knowledge. The company is focused on making information rich detectors more accessible and usable, and its collaboration with LipoScience fits into that strategy.
In addition to entering into this collaboration with LipoScience, Varian, Inc. purchased Series E Convertible Preferred Stock in LipoScience.
About Varian, Inc.
Varian, Inc. is a leading worldwide supplier of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies for life science and industrial applications. The company provides complete solutions, including instruments, vacuum components, laboratory consumable supplies, software, training, and support through its global distribution system. Varian, Inc. employs approximately 3,500 people and operates manufacturing facilities in 12 locations in North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. Varian, Inc. had fiscal year 2004 sales of $724 million (excluding the divested Electronics Manufacturing segment), and its common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol, "VARI." Further information is available on the company's Web site: www.varianinc.com.
About LipoScience, Inc.
Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., LipoScience develops and markets new clinical applications of NMR spectroscopy in the areas of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Its flagship product, the NMR LipoProfile® blood test, was introduced for clinical research in 1997 and for use in patient care in 1999. Results previously reported from the Cardiovascular Health Study, Women's Health Study, PLAC-1 and VA-HIT, among others, have all shown that numbers of atherogenic LDL particles to be more predictive of coronary heart disease events than LDL cholesterol. Further information is available on the company's Web site: www.liposcience.com.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including those relating to future product development. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, are not guarantees of future performance, and involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from management's current expectations and the forward- looking statements made in this press release. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: whether we will succeed in this new product development, release, commercialization, performance and acceptance. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, future events, or otherwise.
For More Information, Contact:
Varian, Inc.
Lauren Lum
650-424-5286
lauren.lum@varianinc.com
LipoScience, Inc.
Michelle Turenne
919-256-1306
mturenne@liposcience.com
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Source: Varian, Inc.
Source: PR Newswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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