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Clinical Data, Inc. Signs Contract with Aetna for In-network Coverage of FAMILION(R) Genetic Tests for Inherited Cardiac Syndromes.


NEWTON, Mass. -- PGxHealth([R]), a division of Clinical Data, Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ
 in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations

U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on
: CLDA CLDA California Lyme Disease Association ), announced today that it has become an in-network provider with Aetna for healthcare coverage of its FAMILION([R]) family of genetic tests. By detecting genetic mutations, the FAMILION tests are used to recognize inherited forms of cardiac channelopathies, such as Long QT Syndrome The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart condition associated with prolongation of repolarisation (recovery) following depolarisation (excitation) of the cardiac ventricles. It is associated with syncope (fainting) and sudden death due to ventricular arrhythmias.  (LQTS LQTS Long QT interval syndrome, see there ), and cardiomyopathies, such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Definition

Cardiomyopathy is an ongoing disease process that damages the muscle wall of the lower chambers of the heart.
 (HCM HCM hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. ), in individuals and their families and help to guide treatment decisions to prevent possible sudden cardiac death Sudden Cardiac Death Definition

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an unexpected death due to heart problems, which occurs within one hour from the start of any cardiac-related symptoms. SCD is sometimes called cardiac arrest.
.

"The decision to cover FAMILION as an in-network test indicates that Aetna is committed to joining other forward-thinking payors who realize the value of our FAMILION family of genetic tests to diagnose and manage Long QT Syndrome and other complex cardiac conditions," said Drew Fromkin, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board.  of Clinical Data. "In-network coverage for the FAMILION tests is a substantial benefit for Aetna members, and we applaud Aetna's commitment to making these important tools available to its policy holders."

With the new in-network coverage for Aetna patients, FAMILION tests have positive reimbursement policies from private and public insurers covering an estimated 155 million lives, an increase of 100 million covered lives from the beginning of the year. PGxHealth is also an approved Medicare provider for its genetic testing Genetic Testing Definition

A genetic test examines the genetic information contained inside a person's cells, called DNA, to determine if that person has or will develop a certain disease or could pass a disease to his or her offspring.
 services, and a Medicaid provider in 37 states and the District of Columbia District of Columbia, federal district (2000 pop. 572,059, a 5.7% decrease in population since the 1990 census), 69 sq mi (179 sq km), on the east bank of the Potomac River, coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (the capital of the United States). , up from just seven states in January 2008. The positive changes to the reimbursement landscape for PGxHealth's genetic tests demonstrate the Company's commitment to working with private and government payers to improve patient access to these vital tests.

For more information on the FAMILION tests contact PGxHealth Customer Service at 877-2-PGxHealth (877-274-9432) or visit its Web site at www.pgxhealth.com.

About FAMILION([R])

The FAMILION tests detect genetic mutations that can cause cardiac channelopathies, such as Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Brugada Syndrome Brugada syndrome Cardiology A condition in which people with no known heart problems or defects suffer sudden cardiac death or aborted sudden cardiac death EKG Right bundle branch block, persistent ST-segment elevation in V1 to V3 unexplained by electrolyte  (BrS) and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited heart rhythm disorder caused by a mutation in voltage gated ion channels and resulting in arrhythmias.  (CPVT CPVT Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia ), or cardiomyopathies such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), in individuals and their families. For more information about the FAMILION family of genetic tests, visit www.pgxhealth.com/genetictests/familion.

By detecting genetic mutations, the FAMILION tests can be used to recognize inherited forms of these syndromes, helping to guide treatment and reduce the incidence of deadly cardiac events associated with them.

When a cardiac channelopathy or cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy Definition

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease of the heart muscle (myocardium), in which the muscle is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened.
 has been diagnosed, the test can help doctors and patients make more informed treatment decisions and aid in uncovering other family members that may be at risk, even if asymptomatic.

About PGxHealth([R])

PGxHealth has extensive experience and capabilities in the development, clinical validation and delivery of genomics-based tests. Through its own know-how and resources, work conducted with some of the world's most prestigious genomics thought leaders and institutions, and use of innovative technologies, PGxHealth is focused on reducing treatment costs and improving clinical outcomes in disease states and therapeutic classes with expensive, inefficient or suboptimal Suboptimal
A solution is called suboptimal if a part of the solution has been optimized without regards to the overall objective.
 treatment options. Among its tests are the FAMILION and the PGxPredict([R]) brands. Visit the company's website at www.pgxhealth.com.

About Clinical Data, Inc.

Clinical Data is a global biotechnology company unlocking the potential of molecular discovery, From Targeted Science to Better Healthcare[TM]. Its PGxHealth[R] division focuses on proprietary biomarker and pharmacogenetic test development, as well as targeted therapeutics to help predict drug safety and efficacy, thereby reducing health care costs and improving clinical outcomes. Its Cogenics[R] division provides genomics services to both research and regulated environments. Through these divisions, Clinical Data is leveraging advances in molecular discovery to provide tangible benefits for patients, doctors, scientists and health plans worldwide. Visit the company's website at www.clda.com for more information.

SAFE HARBOR Safe Harbor

1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated.

2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive.
 STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and  OF 1995

This press release contains certain forward-looking information and statements that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words such as "expect(s)", "feel(s)", "believe(s)", "will", "may", "anticipate(s)" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our ability to successfully integrate the operations, business, technology and intellectual property obtained in our acquisitions; our ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and successfully introduce our new products; our ability to expand our long-term business opportunities; financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions; and statements regarding future performance. All of such information and statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, the effects of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of the Company, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, whether our PGxPredict[TM] tests, including but not limited to FAMILION, will gain wide acceptance in the market; the extent to which genetic markers (haplotypes) are predictive of clinical outcomes and drug efficacy and safety; the strength of our intellectual property rights; competition from pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies; the development of and our ability to take advantage of the market for pharmacogenetic and biomarker products and services; whether Clinical Data will be able to develop or acquire additional products and attract new business and strategic partners; and those risks identified and discussed by Clinical Data in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Clinical Data does not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures in Clinical Data's SEC periodic and interim reports, including but not limited to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed from time to time by the Company.
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Publication:Business Wire
Date:Oct 27, 2008
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