Atherotech Hires Vice President of Operations; Laboratory Veteran to Focus on Meeting Growing Demand for VAP Cholesterol Test.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 4, 2002

Atherotech, Inc., a leading cardiodiagnostic company and developer of the VAP(TM) (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol Test, today announced that it has named Michael A. Peat, Ph.D., vice president of operations. In his new role, Peat will focus on ensuring the operating efficiency and quality of the company's state-of-the-art laboratory facilities designed to process the VAP Test -- the new standard of care in cholesterol risk assessment.

Peat brings to Atherotech more than 14 years of experience in the areas of laboratory operations, strategic planning, development, and regulatory oversight -- experience gained as a senior executive and consultant at several leading clinical reference labs. Prior to joining Atherotech, Peat served as president of the Substance Abuse Testing Division at LabOne, where he was recognized for his achievements in developing business and contributing to the growth of the company. He also has held senior-level positions at Dynacare, CompuChem Laboratories, Roche Biomedical Laboratories, and ChemWest Analytical Laboratories.

According to Roseanne Varner, Atherotech's president and chief executive officer, the company has achieved substantial growth in the past year -- reflecting the increasing importance of the VAP Test in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. "We are pleased to welcome Michael as a key member of the Atherotech team," Varner said. "His extensive laboratory management experience will serve as an invaluable resource as we enter a new and exciting phase of growth. Since the release of new National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines last year, interest in the VAP Test from physicians and patients throughout the country has significantly increased, and Michael's expertise will allow us to keep pace with the growing demand."

"I am excited to join Atherotech, an industry leader with innovative technology, exceptional people, tremendous potential, and a commitment to quality," Peat said. "Atherotech has a solid track record of delivering fast, accurate, and affordable test results and has consistently upgraded its laboratory operations to include the latest in technology. I look forward to working with the company to further its mission to achieve widespread adoption of the VAP Test."

The VAP Test provides direct, detailed measurements of cholesterol subclasses that play important roles in the development of heart disease but are not measured by routine cholesterol tests. In keeping with updated NCEP cholesterol guidelines calling for improved patient diagnosis and more aggressive treatment, the test identifies twice the number of people at risk for heart disease and allows physicians to develop patient-specific treatment plans. VAP Test results are returned to physicians via fax, e-mail, or data download within 72 hours. The price of the test is comparable to routine cholesterol tests and is reimbursed by most insurers.

Atherotech, a leading cardiodiagnostic company and specialty reference laboratory based in Birmingham, is dedicated to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly a million Americans each year. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.thevaptest.com.