Diagnostics Tests Launch

RNS Number:7809A
Axis-Shield PLC
05 September 2002

5 September 2002


                                Axis-Shield plc


    Bayer Diagnostics Launches Axis-Shield's Homocysteine Assay on the Advia
                Centaur(R) and ACS:180(R) Immunoassay Systems



Tarrytown, NY, USA and Dundee, Scotland - September 5, 2002 - Bayer Diagnostics
and Axis-Shield plc announced today the launch of homocysteine assays on the
ADVIA Centaur and ACS:180 immunoassay systems. Measurement of homocysteine is
essential in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of having
homocysteinuria or hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for heart disease.

There is growing evidence that elevated levels of homocysteine are related to a
higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.
According to the World Heart Federation, in 1999 cardiovascular diseases were
considered the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for over 16.9
million deaths annually.

"The new Bayer Diagnostics homocysteine assay on the ACS:180 and ADVIA Centaur
systems offers our customers a rapid and precise way to measure homocysteine
levels," said Hans Hiller, Senior Vice President, Bayer Diagnostics' Laboratory
Testing Segment. "Cardiovascular disease is a serious health concern.  Now,
laboratories can provide clinicians with a fast and valuable tool to aid in
identifying and treating a significant risk factor for this disease," added
Hiller.

Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by the normal breakdown of protein in
blood. While the exact role of homocysteine as a causative agent in
cardiovascular disease is not completely understood, numerous studies have shown
several different mechanisms where it promotes the development of
atherosclerotic plaque. Plaques obstruct blood flow through the arteries
resulting in heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events.

The homocysteine assay on the ACS:180 and ADVIA Centaur systems was developed by
Bayer Diagnostics using patented technology from Axis-Shield.  The assay brings
together Axis-Shield's experience in homocysteine testing with Bayer's knowledge
of chemiluminescence technology and automation. There are over 4,500 ADVIA
Centaur and ACS:180 systems in laboratories around the world.

Svein Lien, Chief Executive Officer of Axis-Shield, said, "We are very pleased
that Bayer has launched this test as it will help to facilitate the rapid growth
we are seeing for homocysteine testing in a number of major therapeutic areas
including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. We are committed to
increasing awareness of homocysteine and to encourage test uptake.  As part of
this, we have now launched a new educational website at www.homocysteine.net."

                                   # # #


Enquiries:

Axis-Shield plc
Svein Lien, Chief Executive Officer          Today:        [phone]
Paul Garvey, Finance Director                Thereafter:   [phone]


Financial Dynamics
Fiona Noblet / Sophie Pender-Cudlip          Tel:          [phone]


For more information on Axis-Shield, please refer to www.axis-shield.com

Notes to Editors

With more than 7,500 employees worldwide and 2001 sales greater than $1.8
billion, Bayer Diagnostics (www.bayerdiagn.com), based in Tarrytown , New York,
USA is one of the largest diagnostic businesses in the world.  The organization
supports customers in 100 countries though an extensive portfolio of central
laboratory, self-testing, nucleic acid, point of care and critical care
diagnostics systems and services for use in the assessment and management of
health, including the areas of cardiovascular disease, oncology, virology,
women's health and diabetes.  Bayer Diagnostics is a part of worldwide Bayer
Group, a $29 Billion international life sciences, polymers, and specialty
chemicals group based in Leverkusen, Germany.  Bayer Diagnostics' global
headquarters in the United States operates as part of Bayer Corp. of Pittsburgh,
a research-based company with major businesses in health care, life science and
chemicals.

Axis-Shield plc is an Anglo-Norwegian company headquartered at the Technology
Park, Dundee, Scotland (www.axis-shield.com). It is an integrated innovative
in-vitro diagnostic manufacturer with a focus on novel markers in key clinical
areas such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and autoimmune disease. The
Axis-Shield group comprises more than 400 employees and 2001 turnover was #42
million.



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