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Atherotech
and Resverlogix enter into a collaboration agreement to use the
VAP™ Cholesterol Test
BIRMINGHAM, AL, April 27, 2004 -- Atherotech, Inc.,
a pioneer in cardiodiagnostic technology, and Resverlogix Corp.
(TSX-V:RVX), a Calgary, Alberta-based biotechnology company, today
announced a collaboration agreement for the purposes of expanding
positive animal model pilot test results and utilizing Atherotech's
VAP Cholesterol Test as a core part of Resverlogix's clinical research
program. Resverlogix is focused on developing drugs to increase
high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good cholesterol."
Under the terms of the agreement, Atherotech will be the sole provider
of expanded cholesterol testing for use in Resverlogix's studies
of novel compounds that improve the management of cholesterol by
increasing HDL levels. The goal of the collaboration agreement is
to adapt Atherotech's proprietary VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol
Test for use in preclinical animal model studies. The VAP Test measures
key cholesterol subclasses, allowing clinicians and researchers
to better understand and predict the risk of cardiovascular disease,
as well as to design more-effective cholesterol drugs. Testing began
in March with preclinical animal studies and will continue through
human clinical trials.
"We are pleased that the VAP Test has been selected to play a key
role in Resverlogix's cutting-edge cholesterol research programs,"
said Roseanne Varner, Atherotech?s president and chief executive
officer. "This agreement is important for both Atherotech and Resverlogix-not
only for invaluable clinical research on the impact of drugs on
cholesterol subclasses, but also in terms of marketing these compounds
at a later date by demonstrating that the appropriate subfractions
of HDL were increased by Resverlogix's drugs."
"This is an exciting time to be involved in the field of HDL research,
and we are pleased to find in Atherotech a company that is leading
the charge in identifying important cholesterol subclasses," said
Donald McCaffrey, president and chief executive officer of Resverlogix.
"The value of the VAP Test is becoming more clear as the role of
HDL subfractions is better understood through clinical study. We
know that HDL subclasses will be more important in terms of heart
disease risk assessment and treatment than total HDL alone."
The VAP Cholesterol Test provides direct, detailed measurements
of cholesterol subclasses that play important roles in the development
of heart disease but are not measured by routine lipid panels. The
blood test complies with updated National Cholesterol Education
Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, which highlight emerging
risk factors and secondary targets of therapy for heart disease.
The affordable VAP Test is available nationwide through national
and regional diagnostic laboratories, and is reimbursed by most
payors, including Medicare. Samples, including those from Resverlogix's
studies, are processed in Atherotech's state-of-the-art clinical
laboratory in Birmingham.
About Resverlogix Corp.
Resverlogix Corp. is a biotechnology research and development company
dedicated to the commercialization of innovative therapies. The
company's lead research program is focused on the prevention and
treatment of atherosclerosis through HDL cholesterol management.
Resverlogix also is engaged in the development of a TGF-inhibiting
cancer therapy. The company trades on Canada's TSX Venture Exchange
under the symbol RVX. For further information, please visit the
company's Web site at www.resverlogix.com
.
About Atherotech, Inc.
Atherotech, a pioneer in cardiodiagnostic technology, is dedicated
to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease
and other cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 1 million Americans
each year. Atherotech?s VAP Test is the new standard of care in
cholesterol risk assessment. The company also has a long history
of supporting clinical research, and the VAP Test has been featured
in a growing number of important clinical trials nationwide. The
VAP Cholesterol Test recently was named one of "five tests worth
paying for" by The Wall Street Journal. For more information, visit
the company's Web site at www.thevaptest.com
.
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