Atherotech Names Michael Mullen Chief Financial Officer.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Atherotech, Inc., a pioneer in cardiodiagnostic technology, today announced the appointment of Michael V. Mullen as chief financial officer. Mullen will spearhead financing, strategic planning, and interaction with the financial community as the company continues to focus on expanding its business-to-business diagnostic lab sales and increasing physician adoption of the VAP(R) (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol Test.

Mullen is an experienced accounting and finance executive who also brings perspective gained from a unique background that combines accounting and laboratory sciences. Mullen's most recent role was as chief financial officer for Child Development Schools, Inc., during which time annual revenue and cash flow experienced double-digit growth, and he previously served as controller at Atherotech. Before his financial career, Mullen worked in the clinical arena and has bachelor's degrees in both accounting and laboratory science. He also is a certified public accountant.

According to Roseanne Varner, Atherotech's president and chief executive officer, Mullen will play a critical part in all aspects of financial planning, including budgeting and forecasting, managing finance operations, cash management, and financial controls. "We are pleased to welcome Mike Mullen back to Atherotech," Varner said. "He brings important financial management experience combined with an in-depth knowledge of Atherotech and its product and customers. We are entering a period of significant growth, with demand for the VAP Test increasing as physicians and clinical labs recognize the vital role it plays in the early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease -- as reinforced by the current National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines."

Mullen said he is pleased to re-join Atherotech at a time when the company has solidified its VAP Test as the new standard of care in cholesterol risk assessment and a vital tool in the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients at risk for heart disease. "This is an exciting time for Atherotech, with the VAP Test gaining momentum in the clinical setting and among the leading national and regional diagnostic laboratories," he said. "I look forward to working with the company to broaden all of our business prospects in 2006 and beyond."

About the VAP Cholesterol Test

The VAP Cholesterol Test complies with NCEP ATP III guidelines by directly measuring all primary, secondary, and emerging cholesterol risk factors. As a result, it identifies more than 90 percent of people at risk for heart disease, compared with just 40 percent with the routine cholesterol test. The VAP Test is available nationwide through national and regional diagnostic laboratories and is reimbursed by most payors, including Medicare. Samples are processed in Atherotech's state-of-the-art laboratory in Birmingham.

About Atherotech

Atherotech 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 was named one of "five tests worth paying for" by The Wall Street Journal. In addition, Forbes.com selected the VAP Test as one of "ten ways to live longer." For more information, visit www.thevaptest.com.

Note to editors: For additional information or a photo of Mike Mullen, please call Barbara Sullivan at 714-374-6174.