Alfigen, Inc. Offers Expanded Genetic Screening Panel for Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish Descent; New Screening Test Panel Identifies More Genetic Disease Carriers on a Single Specimen.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2003

Alfigen, Inc., one of the largest private genetics diagnostic laboratories in the country, announced today that it has introduced an extensive panel of tests for screening individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. As with many ethnic populations, individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have an elevated risk for certain diseases, most of which are untreatable and are of a devastating nature. This new screening test will enable "at risk" individuals to know their carrier status and therefore make informed decisions. Alfigen also offers genetic counseling services so that anyone having a genetic test knows what the information means to his/her life.

This test panel can be performed on a blood sample, "mouth swish," a sample from mouthwash, or a simple brushing from inside the mouth. These remarkably easy methods of obtaining the test sample allow greater access of testing in a variety of settings. Now for the first time, physicians' offices without traditional blood-draw services can make this test immediately available to patients. As with any laboratory testing, Alfigen maintains strict confidentiality standards on all test results.

Carrier screening is an important tool in family planning. When an individual is found to be a carrier, his/her partner could also be tested. If only one partner is of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, it is recommended to test him/her first. Prenatal diagnosis for all of these diseases is possible through amniotic fluid or chorionic villi sampling when both parents are carriers.

The expanded panel tests for nine autosomal recessive diseases and consists of Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, Cystic fibrosis, Familial dysautonomia, Fanconi anemia, Glycogen storage disease type 1A, Mucolipidosis type IV, Niemann-Pick disease type A, and Tay-Sachs disease.

Bloom syndrome is a life-threatening disorder characterized mainly by an increased risk of developing different types of cancer and dangerous infections. Other characteristics of Bloom syndrome include short stature, low weight, sun sensitivity, small head, respiratory problems, and skin discoloration.

Canavan disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of the brain and nervous system. Characteristics of Canavan disease include brain damage, mental retardation, feeding difficulties, blindness, and an enlarged head.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a mutation in the CF gene. It mainly affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Individuals with CF have an accumulation of thick mucus in the lungs and pancreas, leading to chronic lung infections and poor absorption of food.

Familial dysautonomia is a progressive disorder affecting the part of the nervous system that controls the way we react to different stimuli in our environment. Individuals may experience excessive sweating, skin discoloration, emotional instability, incidents of vomiting, insensitivity to pain and temperature, and poor motor coordination.

Fanconi anemia is a condition of congenital malformation and bone marrow failure predisposing individuals to developing leukemia. Other characteristics include anemia, bleeding, heart and kidney defects, mental retardation, pigmentary changes in the skin, and skeletal abnormalities.

Glycogen storage disease type 1A is caused by the absence of a key enzyme involved in metabolizing, or breaking down, glycogen, the stored form of sugar in the body. The disease mainly damages the liver and sometimes a transplant is needed. Other characteristics of the disease are anemia, kidney stones, short height, and delayed puberty.

Mucolipidosis type IV is a disease caused by an enzyme deficiency in the body. The condition manifests at birth with corneal clouding, causing impaired vision, which leads to blindness. Individuals with this disease may have mental and motor developments of a 15 month-old infant.

Niemann-Pick disease type A is caused by an abnormal accumulation of lipid (fat-like substance) in different cells of the body. Accumulation of lipid in cells of the central nervous system causes their death. The symptoms of the disease are liver failure, mental retardation, seizures, and anemia.

Tay-Sachs disease is caused by an enzyme deficiency that results in lipid build up in certain parts of the body. This results in damage to the brain and nervous system cells.

Alfigen, Inc. was established as the first private, full-service cytogenetics laboratory in the country and is currently one of the largest independent genetics service providers serving the medical community nationally and internationally. Alfigen's large network of genetic counselors provides support and education to patients. The laboratory offers a broad range of highly complex genetic tests, including cytogenetics (prenatal, postnatal, and cancer) fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), molecular diagnostics, clinical chemistry, and flow cytometry. The company's mission -- to provide the highest quality and standards in clinical genetic services with efficient turn around time, cost-effective pricing, and personalized service -- is reflected in all aspects of the company's work. Alfigen's success is based on its commitment to quality.

Alfigen is accredited by CAP and certified by CMS under CLIA. Alfigen is licensed in California, Florida, Maryland, and New York. Alfigen is also certified by the State of California Department of Health Services Genetic Disease Branch. For more information, visit www.alfigen.com.