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Matritech Announces Approval in Japan of the NMP22(R) Test Kit for Both Monitoring and Screening of Bladder Cancer Patients
Test to be Marketed and Distributed by Konica Corporation
NEWTON, Mass., May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Matritech, Inc., (Nasdaq: NMPS - news) announced today that they have been informed by their Japanese marketing partner for NMP22, Konica Corporation, that the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare has approved Matritech's NMP22(R) Test Kit for monitoring as well as the testing of high risk,
previously undiagnosed bladder cancer patients. The test will be distributed in Japan by Konica Corporation, an international leader in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of photographic products, business machines, medical products and graphic arts products. NMP22 is the first quantitative screening test for individuals who are at high risk for bladder cancer to receive approval in Japan.
The NMP22(R) Test Kit is based on Matritech's proprietary nuclear matrix protein (NMP) technology, which correlates levels of NMPs in body fluids to the presence of cancer. The product is currently approved in the United States and Europe for the management of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract.
''The Japanese Ministry's approval of the NMP22 test for both patient management and screening is a significant endorsement of the broad utility of both NMP22 and our proprietary nuclear matrix protein technology,'' commented David L. Corbet, President and Chief Operating Officer of Matritech, Inc. ''Multiple clinical studies published in Japan, Europe and the United States have demonstrated NMP22's ability to detect previously undiagnosed bladder cancer. Matritech plans to pursue approval of similar claims with the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.''
''The urology community in Japan has demonstrated a strong commitment to using quality diagnostic methods,'' said Mr. Shigeru Suzuki, Director, Senior General Manager,
Medical Imaging Division, Konica Corporation. ''Based on NMP22's accuracy and simplicity, we are optimistic that the adoption of this product will make a significant contribution
to improving the care of bladder cancer patients in Japan.''
Konica Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading Japanese company in the global photographic and information imaging industries that is recognized for the excellence and
innovativeness of its products. The company, established in 1873, celebrates the 125th anniversary this year. In the field of medical products, the company was the first manufacturer
of X-ray films in Japan. Since then, Konica has continued to develop various medical diagnostic imaging systems. Today, with the addition of digital imaging technology and
biotechnology, its extensive medical product lineup, from X-ray film and processors to digital imaging systems, laser imagers and diagnostic reagent are well-known for superb
quality and performance.
Matritech, Inc., based in Newton, Massachusetts, is using its proprietary nuclear matrix protein (NMP) technology, discovered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
and licensed exclusively to Matritech, to develop and commercialize innovative serum-, cell-, and urine-based NMP diagnostics that enable physicians to reliably detect and monitor
the presence of bladder, colon, cervical, breast and prostate cancers.
Any forward looking statements related to the Company's expectations regarding the performance, benefits to patients, market acceptance, future sales and regulatory approvals of
the Company's existing and future products are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. These include but are not limited
to, risks related to incorrect use of products by customers, unforeseen delays in or denials of FDA and other regulatory approvals, future product demand and pricing, performance
of distributors, competitive products and technical developments, health care reform and general business and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that the Company's
expectations for its product will be achieved.
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