Definiens Image Analysis Technology Improves Accuracy in Scoring Her2/neu in Breast Cancer Biopsies by 30%

Munich, Germany / Morristown, NJ – May 28, 2009 – Definiens, the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence® company, has completed a feasibility study for the evaluation of the Her2/neu protein in breast cancer biopsies. Conducted in conjunction with a leading pharmaceutical company, the study involved 1800 tumor cases from patients enrolled in a multi-center clinical trial for a breast cancer targeted therapy. The study compared results obtained using manual pathology scoring methods to those obtained via Definiens’ computerized image analysis approach for evaluating Her2/neu objectively, on a cell-by-cell basis. The comparison indicated that Definiens XD – the company’s platform for multi-dimensional image analysis – provided improved scoring accuracy of 30% as compared to a panel of six pathologists. The study’s results suggest utilizing automated image analysis technology in biomarker screening can have a positive impact on clinical trial outcomes and the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Currently, the tasks of tumor biopsy grading and biomarker assessment are performed largely by manually applying classical pathology techniques. This process is time consuming and subjective, and may lead to delayed or inaccurate diagnostic and treatment decisions. Definiens technology addresses the unmet need for automatic and objective image analysis of complex biological images such as heterogeneous tumor tissue. It enables accurate, rapid quantitative assessment of biological images from multiple image acquisition platforms. Previous “pixel-based” approaches have been unable to handle images that are complex and heterogeneous in nature.

“The results of this feasibility study are very compelling,” said Manfred Voglmaier, Vice President of Business Development for Definiens’ Life Sciences division. “Our approach to image analysis and biomarker quantification demonstrates enormous potential for facilitating better treatment decisions for a variety of cancer types. We are currently seeking cancer center and bio-pharmaceutical partners to collaborate with in the development of tissue-based cancer diagnostics applications.”

Definiens is also evaluating the application of its image analysis platform for Her2/neu assessment in stomach cancer biopsies; the grading of non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer; and tumor volumetric assessment post-Avastin, Sutent, and Sorafenib treatment.

To learn more about the clinical application of Definiens technology, visit the company’s presentation, “In Situ Multiparametric Analysis of Biomarkers in Heterogeneous FFPE Tissue Using the Definiens XD™ Image Analysis Platform” today at the 2009 Biomarker World Congress in Philadelphia.

Definiens in Life Sciences
Definiens supports Life Sciences organizations by automating image analysis on an enterprise level, from drug discovery to diagnostics. Its image analysis software enables pharmaceutical and biomedical companies to interpret vast numbers of digital images accurately and consistently. Definiens applications improve the measurement of cell assays, the examination of tissue samples and the interpretation of non-invasive imaging, helping organizations to advance translational research and personalized medicine.

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About Definiens

Definiens is the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence® company for analyzing and interpreting images on every scale, from microscopic cell structures to satellite images. The Definiens Cognition Network Technology®, developed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Gerd Binnig and his team, is an advanced and robust context-based technology designed to fulfill the image analysis requirements of the Medical, Life Science, and Earth Science markets. The technology is modeled on the powerful human cognitive perception processes to extract intelligence from images. Definiens provides organizations with faster image analysis results, allowing deeper insights enabling better business decisions. The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany and has offices in the United States. Further information is available at www.definiens.com.

Definiens, Definiens Cellenger, Definiens Cognition Network Technology, Definiens eCognition, Enterprise Image Intelligence and Understanding Images are trademarks or registered trademarks of Definiens.

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