Dade Behring Introduces Its Automated Low Density Lipoprotein -ALDL- Test; A new aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular disease.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

BIOWIRE2K

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2002

Dade Behring (OTC:DBEH) has introduced a new assay for the direct measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for its Dimension(R) clinical chemistry system. The new Automated Low Density Lipoprotein (ALDL) test aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. It is known that high levels of LDL significantly increase the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), which accounts for more than half of all forms of cardiovascular disease.

"This test adds another powerful diagnostic tool to the battery of Dade Behring tests that contribute to the fight against cardiovascular disease," said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dade Behring. " This disease is a global problem, with vast health and economic implications. Each new tool to improve diagnosis of heart disease can lead to earlier treatment and help save lives and contain health care costs."

While most laboratories have been able to measure high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), triglycerides and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein has been estimated indirectly according to a formula. With the Dade Behring test's ability to directly measure, laboratories can attain a more accurate reading, particularly among patients with high levels of triglycerides, where the mathematical calculation is particularly inaccurate.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend cholesterol measurement for all adult patients, and LDL cholesterol values are recommended as a primary criterion for treatment decisions among patients with elevated cholesterol levels.

Further advantages

-- The ALDL test provides a complete lipid profile when used with Dade Behring's cholesterol, triglyceride, AHDL and hsCRP assays.

-- The ALDL assay circumvents any need for batch processing or special sample handling with full random access automation.

-- Unlike calculation of LDL, the ALDL assay is a reimbursable test.

"National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines target reducing LDL cholesterol levels and recommend monitoring LDL levels after treatment," said Neil Protter, Chemistry Marketing Manager, Dade Behring. "The ALDL assay will provide a reimbursable tool for performing this function, with the accuracy of direct measurement."

Dade Behring is the world's largest company dedicated solely to clinical diagnostics. It offers a wide range of products and systems designed to meet the day-to-day needs of laboratories, making it today's best resource in this field. The company is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, and has operations in 43 countries. Additional company information is available on the Internet at www.dadebehring.com.