Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) announced today that its Enzo Clinical
Labs division has become one of the first diagnostic laboratories to
make available a rapid and sensitive H1N1 PCR test for the swine flu
virus. Enzo Clinical Labs serves physicians throughout the Metropolitan
New York area, as well as New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.
"The introduction of this test, within a few days after it had received
FDA clearance, is indicative of the capabilities of Enzo’s clinical
diagnostics division in being able to commercialize new tests,” said
Kevin Krenitsky, MD, President of Enzo Clinical Labs.
The H1N1 identification is very specific, without cross-detection of
other influenza variant subtypes, said Dr. Krenitsky.
The swine flu is caused by the H1N1 type of influenza virus. In the US,
more than 22 million people have been infected with, and as many as
4,000 individuals have died as a result of, this new influenza pandemic
virus. The test that is now available enables physicians to
differentiate patients infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus from other
strains that show similar symptoms, thus allowing appropriate management
of the patient symptoms.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem, Inc., is a growth-oriented integrated life sciences and
biotechnology company focused on harnessing biological process to
develop research tools, diagnostics and therapeutics, and serves as a
provider of test services, including exotic tests, to the medical
community. Since our founding in 1976, our strategic focus has been on
the development of enabling technologies in the life sciences field.
Enzo Life Sciences develops, produces and markets proprietary labeling
and detection products for gene sequencing, genetic analysis and
immunological research, among others. Its catalog of over 40,000
products serve the molecular biology, drug discovery and pathology
research markets worldwide. Enzo Clinical Labs division provides
laboratory services for a growing roster of physicians in the New York
Metropolitan area, as well as parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its
tests include, in addition to routine tests, capabilities for detecting
molecular infection disease, molecular oncology, autoimmune disorders
and genetics. Enzo Clinical Labs also provides clinical diagnostic
services that allow Enzo to capitalize on its extensive advanced
molecular and cytogenetic capabilities and the broader trends in
predictive and personalized diagnostics. Enzo Therapeutics is a
biopharmaceutical venture that has developed multiple novel approaches
in the areas of gastrointestinal, infectious, ophthalmic and metabolic
diseases. It has focused its efforts on developing treatment regimens
for diseases and conditions for which current treatment options are
ineffective, costly, and/or cause unwanted side effects. In the course
of the company’s research and development activities, Enzo has developed
a substantial portfolio of intellectual property assets, with 249 issued
patents worldwide and over 200 pending patent applications.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news
release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current
expectations of the Company and its management. Investors are cautioned
that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could
materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations
to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments
occurring after the date of this press release.
