Press Releases

12/19/07
DermTech Is Issued U.S. Patent for the Early Detection, Staging and Monitoring of Melanoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@dermtech.com

La Jolla, CA, Dec 19, 2007 – DermTech, Inc., a biotechnology company developing molecular diagnostics for the early detection of melanoma and other diseases, announced that it has been issued Patent No. 7,297,480 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent, entitled: "Method for Detection of Melanoma", includes claims focused on non-invasive methods for detecting early-stage melanoma and for staging, and claims for monitoring melanoma in a subject.

The patent claims the use of DermTech’s "tape stripping" technology for the purposes of detecting, staging and monitoring melanoma. The methods claimed in the patent focus on the use of DermTech’s EGIR (Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval, a skin sampling technique known as "tape stripping" in combination with a molecular diagnostic assay). Specifically, adhesive tape is placed over a lesion suspicious for melanoma and then removed to harvest the top layer of skin cells. The RNA is extracted and analyzed to determine and compare the level of a key melanoma marker, Interleukin-2 Receptor 1 (IL-2 R1), with the level in a normal skin control sample. A decrease in IL-2 R1 is indicative of early-stage melanoma. The patent also claims the use of evaluating additional biomarkers based upon differences in gene expression such that a change in these messenger RNAs is indicative of late-stage melanoma. The ability to detect, stage and monitor disease is critical for improved clinical outcomes.

"DermTech welcomes the issuance of this patent as it will allow us to move forward and more fully develop and position our core EGIR technology for the staging as well as the detection, of melanoma," said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech. "This patent is an important addition to our intellectual property portfolio."

The incidence rate of malignant melanoma is increasing faster than any other cancer. Treatment involves surgical excision of the primary lesion, and vigilant monitoring to detect recurrence. The methods for detecting malignant melanoma described in DermTech’s newly issued patent can serve as the basis for therapeutic decisions, saving many lives and reducing costs by avoiding unnecessary excisions and biopsies.

About DermTech

Headquartered in La Jolla, California, DermTech International is focused on the development and validation of molecular tests using specimens obtained from the skin. The company’s proprietary Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIRTM) technology is in clinical studies to evaluate its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic for melanoma and other major diseases. It is also being studied in the context of tracking treatment efficacy for a variety of dermatologic and other conditions, including the effects of drugs on skin at the molecular level in advance of observable clinical results. DermTech is actively pursuing research using EGIRTM and its applications in the areas of melanoma, prostate cancer and various skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

For additional information visit: www.dermtech.com

 

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10/10/07
DermTech Appoints BioStatistical Pioneer, John Quackenbush, Ph.D. as a Member of the Company's Scientific Advisory Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@dermtech.com

La Jolla, CA, Oct 10, 2007 – DermTech International, Inc., a biotechnology company developing skin sampling technologies for the early detection of melanoma and other diseases, today appointed John Quackenbush, Ph.D. to the company's Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Quackenbush is a Professor of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the Harvard School of Public Health. Since his 1992 receipt of a five-year fellowship from the National Center for Human Genome Research to study various aspects of genomics, Quackenbush has been widely recognized as a pioneer in the area of biological data management, analysis and interpretation.

"We are very pleased to welcome John to DermTech's SAB," said George Schwartz, the company's president and chief executive officer. "We are confident that his world-recognized expertise in bioinformatics, especially focused on class prediction algorithms for biomarker determination, will be a major asset as we accelerate the development of our EGIR-based assay for the early detection of melanoma." EGIR (Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval) is DermTech's patented technology that uses noninvasive "tape-stripping" to identify the presence of disease. Other EGIR applications include drug development for products, such as anti-aging treatments and theranostics.

"I am looking forward to working with DermTech to help drive the development of what I expect will become a key new technique in the early detection of skin cancer and other diseases," said Quackenbush.

Dr. Quackenbush's work focuses on functional and comparative genomics and bioinformatics and their application to the study of human disease. Quackenbush is currently looking at patterns of gene expression in cancer, with the goal of elucidating the networks and pathways that are critical in the development and progression of the disease. He is also working on a large-scale project funded by an Oracle Challenge Grant aimed at creating a database that will link clinical and research data with other information available in the public domain.

About Dr. Quackenbush:

Dr. Quackenbush completed a Ph.D. in theoretical physics in 1990, followed by a two-year postdoctoral position in experimental particle physics and phenomenology. He has held positions at The Salk Institute, Stanford University and The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR). He is on the editorial boards of five major journals and is a member of two National Research Council panels that are examining the applications of genomic approaches to the study of toxicology.

About DermTech:

Headquartered in La Jolla, California, DermTech International (www.dermtech.com) specializes in the development and validation of molecular tests using specimens derived from the skin. The company's proprietary Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIR) technology is being studied in the context of tracking treatment efficacy for a variety of dermatologic and other conditions, including the effects of drugs on skin at the molecular level in advance of observable clinical results, and aiding in the diagnosis of disease. DermTech is actively pursuing research using EGIR and its applications toward molecular diagnostics and theranostics in the areas of melanoma, prostate cancer and various skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

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05/30/07
DermTech Raises Initial Funding as Part of Current Investment Round

Gene Salkind, M.D. Appointed to Company’s Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@dermtech.com

La Jolla, CA, May 30, 2007 – DermTech, an early-stage biotechnology company developing skin sampling technologies for the early detection of melanoma and other pre-clinical and clinical applications, announced today that it has successfully raised significant funds as part of its current $10 million round of financing.

Gary Jacobs, Chairman of DermTech International and Gene Salkind, M.D., both existing shareholders of the company, are subscribing to a major portion of the anticipated total amount of this round. In connection, Dr. Salkind, a board certified neurosurgeon and Chairman of the Division of Neurosurgery, Holy Redeemer Hospital, in Pennsylvania, will join DermTech’s Board of Directors.

“We are pleased to announce that already, two key current shareholders have subscribed for this round and I am delighted to welcome Dr. Gene Salkind to our Board of Directors,” said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech. “With the additional funding, our plan is to move into the clinic quickly to further assess the efficacy and sensitivity of our innovative ‘tape stripping’ technique to screen for and diagnose disease. In evaluations of this technique to identify melanoma vs non-melanoma suspicious lesions (dysplasic nevi), the success rate of differentiation has been 100%”.

The company’s EGIR (Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval) technology is a non-invasive technique that makes use of RNA expression patterns, based on information gained painlessly from epidermal cells, to identify a range of diseases such as melanoma and prostate cancer. The novel technology recently won the Top Poster Prize Award for Clinical Research at the Society for Investigative Dermatology 68th Annual Meeting.

“DermTech’s ‘tape stripping’ technique is both sophisticated and intuitive, and one of those concepts that once described, seems so obvious we all wonder why it wasn’t conceived much earlier,” said Dr. Gene Salkind. “I am very pleased to be involved with the company from a financial standpoint, and am looking forward to working with the Board and assuming a hands-on directorship role.”

Dr. Salkind’s background includes over 25 years as a practicing neurosurgeon with professorships at leading teaching hospitals including the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and the Albert Einstein Medical Center. He has published multiple papers and been a guest lecturer at congresses worldwide. Dr. Salkind received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania (cum laude) and his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine.

This evening, DermTech, in support of the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation will hold a special event in Palm Beach, Florida to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of melanoma.

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05/11/07
DERMTECH AND UCSF COLLABORATE TO EXPLORE POTENTIAL OF COMPANY’S EGIR TECHNOLOGY TO DEVELOP NOVEL COMPOUNDS FOR ANTI-AGING AND ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Venture Spawned by Nature Publishing Group’s Top Poster Award Given to Both Groups at This Week’s Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@dermtech.com

Los Angeles, CA, May 11, 2007 – Today DermTech, a biotechnology company developing skin sampling technologies for pre-clinical and clinical applications, and researchers at the Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, the Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), and the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center San Francisco announced a collaboration to explore the development of innovative products for skin-related conditions including signs of aging and atopic dermatitis. The groups met as a result of each being commended with the Nature Publishing Group’s top poster prize which will be presented today at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology. The group using DermTech’s EGIR (Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval) technology, including Dr. Sherman Chang, DermTech, received the award for best clinical research poster, the group from UCSF led by Drs. Y. Uchida, P.M. Elias, and W.M. Holleran won the award for best basic research.

"Our research group has been interested in the role of the permeability barrier in skin disorders, including attenuating the effects of atopic dermatitis and aging for some time; DermTech's non-invasive, molecular basis for assessing skin status represents a key addition to enhance our research efforts in these areas,” said Dr. W.M. Holleran. “We are pleased to have met the authors of the study using DermTech’s technology and are looking forward to working with them on potentially high-value developments,” said Dr. Peter Elias.

Under the terms of the agreement, DermTech will provide its proprietary EGIR (RNA tape stripping and assay development) technology and the Department of Dermatology UCSF and the VA Medical Center, San Francisco will provide its recognized knowledge and expertise in the areas of skin disorders and aging. The objectives of the agreement include the identification of: novel therapeutic compounds to treat certain skin disorders; novel formulations that will arrest or ameliorate the dermatological effects of aging; novel biomarkers involved in dermatological disorders and aging; and gene expression patterns predictive of patient responsiveness to drug treatment.

“We are extremely honored to have the distinguished, basic research prize winners, Drs. Uchida, Elias, and Holleran working in partnership with DermTech's clinical research prize winner, Dr. Chang, to employ our patented epidermal genetic information retrieval technology to address questions such as arresting or reversing the aging process of skin,” said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech. “We are hopeful that we can make significant and cost effective progress toward product development and are currently exploring partnerships to help commercialize opportunities stemming from this joint effort.”

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05/09/07
Melanoma Study Using DermTech’s Non-Invasive EGIR Technology Wins Top Clinical Research Poster Prize at the Annual Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting

Award Sponsored by Nature Publishing Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

Los Angeles, CA, May 9, 2007 – Today at the 68th Annual Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting, a poster focusing on DermTech’s novel technology for determining the presence of melanoma via non-invasive tape stripping, received the Plenary Poster Prize for Clinical Research. The poster was selected for its excellence with regard to novel or innovative scientific research as determined and judged by the chairs of the SID Scientific Program Committee. The award and cash prize were sponsored by Nature Publishing Group.

“We are delighted that Dr. William Wachsman and his colleagues have been awarded the Nature Publishing Group top clinical research prize for their work using DermTech’s innovative EGIR technology,” said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech. “We believe that our method for detecting melanoma simply and painlessly will make it many times more likely to be detected in the early stages when it has a much higher probability of being cured.”

The authors of the study suggested donating the financial award to three non-profit melanoma research organizations for their leading-edge work in the early detection of the disease. DermTech agreed, committed to match the amount and is pleased to be able to help support the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation in Palm Beach, Florida, spearheaded by founder Debbie Schwarzberg, the Charlie Guild Melanoma Foundation in Richmond, California, led by founder Valerie Guild, and the Shade Foundation of America, in Scottsdale, Arizona, founded by Shonda Schilling, the wife of Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling.

The top commended abstract titled: “Differentiation of melanoma from dysplastic nevi in suspicious pigmented skin lesions by non-invasive tape stripping,” demonstrated that DermTech’s proprietary Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIR) technology successfully harvested RNA from the stratum corneum (‘skin’) and could identify melanoma based on gene expression profiles. EGIR is a non-invasive nucleic acid retrieval technology that makes use of a custom adhesive film to sample the upper layers of the epidermis. Sample processing results in the reproducible detection of specific biomarkers extracted from the harvested skin cells for use in gene expression analysis. Expression patterns can be used to monitor the effects of actives on the epidermis or to create "molecular profiles" of target diseases.

“This is ground-breaking technology that could mark a clear improvement in the way melanoma is detected and treated,” said Harold Rabinovitz, M.D., Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine. “Because it is painless, easy to use and offers real hope to people whose melanoma might otherwise go un-attended to, this method is ideally suited to become a routine test performed in the dermatologist’s office.”

William Wachsman, M.D., Ph.D., was the lead author on the study. Dr. Wachsman is Associate Professor of Medicine at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and head of the Microarray Shared Resource at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. Additional authors and researchers who contributed significantly to the study were: Tissa Hata, M.D., of University of California, San Diego Dermatology Department, Nicholas Schork, Ph.D., Director of Research, Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Sherman Chang, Ph.D., director of Molecular Biology, DermTech, Boris Bastian, M.D., Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco and Harold Rabinovitz, M.D., a dermatologist in Plantation, Florida.

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03/15/07
DermTech International Licenses Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval Technology to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center for Pediatric Dermatitis Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

La Jolla, CA – DermTech International, an emerging biotechnology company developing skin sampling technologies for pre-clinical and clinical applications, announces today it has entered into an agreement with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to use DermTech’s proprietary Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIRTM) technology to identify biomarkers associated with dermatitis. EGIR is a non-invasive technique for recovering nucleic acids from the surface of the skin. Gurjit Khurana Hershey, MD, PhD, Director of the Institute for Personalized and Predictive Medicine and the Center for Translational Research in Asthma and Allergy at Cincinnati Children’s, is Principal Investigator for the project.

EGIR is a patented method for collecting a sample of surface skin cells with an adhesive film that allows the recovery and analysis of RNA for genetic profiling of the site in question. Specific biomarkers are known to correlate with certain skin conditions or diseases, and EGIR has been shown to be able to detect differential expression of mRNAs corresponding to such markers in afflicted vs. healthy skin. The aim of the proposed research is to explore EGIR as a tool to identify genetic markers and patterns of expression that can be useful in distinguishing among various forms of dermatitis in pediatric patients. The outcome of the research could lead to the application of EGIR as a clinical diagnostic method for pediatricians. “Noninvasive methods to better help us assess our patients are of great interest in pediatrics. We are conducting research that we hope will be able to capitalize on this technology and improve the health of our patients,” stated Dr. Hershey.

Besides ease of use, the EGIR technique has the added advantage of being able to retest the same affected area with minimal or no discomfort, reducing the need for painful biopsies. This is especially beneficial when working with young patients. “DermTech feels privileged to be providing its technology to Cincinnati Children's and to Dr. Hershey's innovative research. We hope that this can lead to more effective physician management of children,” stated George Schwartz, CEO of DermTech International.

Headquartered in La Jolla, California, DermTech International (www.dermtechintl.com) specializes in the development and validation of molecular tests using specimens derived from the skin. The company’s proprietary Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIR) technology is being studied in the context of tracking treatment efficacy for a variety of dermatologic and other conditions, including the effects of drugs on skin at the molecular level in advance of observable clinical results, and aiding in the diagnosis of disease. DermTech International is actively pursuing research using EGIR and its applications toward molecular diagnostics and theranostics in the areas of melanoma, prostate cancer and various skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

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02/07/07
DermTech and Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. Begin Feasibility Study to Discover Genes Involved in Acne

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
DermTech
George Schwartz
858.450.4222

For DermTech
Jennifer Larson
415.409.2729
jlarson@dermtech.com

La Jolla, CA, Jan 7, 2007 – DermTech, Inc., a biotechnology company developing molecular diagnostics for the early detection of melanoma and other diseases, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., the largest, privately owned, dermatology company in the world. The two companies will work together using DermTech’s patented EGIR technology and proprietary gene expression assays to identify and further understand the genes involved in causing acne. It is envisioned that data from the feasibility study may be used by Stiefel Laboratories in the development of targeted products to treat this widespread skin condition.

"We are very pleased to initiate this study with Stiefel, a global powerhouse in the development of focused, next-generation dermatology products," said George Schwartz, CEO, DermTech. "Using our EGIR technology, a painless method of collecting RNA from the epidermis and identifying biomarkers of interest, we are confident that we will be able to help confirm and identify the molecular causes of acne."

"Acne has long been regarded as a nuisance condition but for a patient who suffers from frequent outbreaks or chronic blemishes, it is a major source of concern," said Gavin Corcoran, M.D., Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development for Stiefel Laboratories. "We are looking forward to using DermTech’s non-invasive ‘tape stripping’ technology and expertise in analysis to help determine the genes associated with the development of acne. Results from the study may help guide the development of novel, targeted therapeutics."

Specifically, DermTech will provide to Stiefel Laboratories its EGIR skin sampling technology consisting of adhesives that will be applied to the patients’ epidermis under an agreed-upon protocol. The adhesives will be sent back to DermTech for RNA extraction and gene expression analysis using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction techniques (qRT-PCR).

About DermTech

Headquartered in La Jolla, California, DermTech International is focused on the development and validation of molecular tests using specimens obtained from the skin. The company’s proprietary Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIRTM) technology is in clinical studies to evaluate its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic for melanoma and other major diseases. It is also being studied in the context of tracking treatment efficacy for a variety of dermatologic and other conditions, including the effects of drugs on skin at the molecular level in advance of observable clinical results. DermTech is actively pursuing research using EGIRTM and its applications in the areas of melanoma, prostate cancer and various skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

For additional information visit: www.dermtech.com

About Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.

Founded in 1847, Stiefel Laboratories (a privately held company) is the world’s largest independent pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology. The company manufactures and markets a variety of prescription and non-prescription dermatological products. Some of the newest and best-known brands include Duac (clindamycin, 1% - benzoyl peroxide, 5%) Topical Gel; Evoclin (clindamycin phosphate, 1%) Foam; Luxiq (betamethasone valerate, 0.12%) Foam; MimyX ; OluxTM (clobetasol propionate, 0.05%) Foam; Olux-ETM (clobetasol propionate, 0.05%) Foam; Soriatane (acitretin) CK CONVENIENCE KITTM; VerdesoTM (desonide, 0.05%) Foam; Brevoxyl (benzoyl peroxide, 4% or 8%) Creamy Wash packaged in the convenient new BREVOXYL Acne Wash Kit; Extina (ketoconazole, 2%) Foam; Oilatum ; Physiogel ; Stieprox (ciclopirox olamine); REVAL SKINTM; and Sarna . Its wholly-owned global network is comprised of more than 30 subsidiaries, manufacturing plants in six countries, research and development facilities on four continents, and products marketed in more than 100 countries around the world.

Stiefel Laboratories supplements its R&D efforts by seeking strategic partnerships and acquisitions around the world. To learn more about Stiefel Laboratories, Inc. visit www.stiefel.com

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