Osmetech’s Exclusive Warfarin CYP4F2 Biomarker Included in Leading Warfarindosing.org Algorithm

Osmetech plc (LSE:OMH), the international molecular diagnostics company, announces that its exclusive CYP450 4F2 biomarker has been included on the leading warfarin dosing website, www.warfarindosing.org, a free Web site to aid doctors and other clinicians in warfarin therapy by estimating the therapeutic dose in patients new to warfarin or within first 4 INRs.

James White, Chief Executive Officer, Osmetech plc, said:

"The inclusion of 4F2, exclusively licensed to Osmetech, is further recognition of the importance of the biomarker’s role in establishing a safe and appropriate personalized dose for each patient.

"The high performance of our eSensor XT-8 System and Warfarin Sensitivity Test in the market combined with our unique 4F2 biomarker gives us ‘best platform’ and ‘best test.’ This combination further positions Osmetech as the leader in this market, which we believe is poised for significant growth.”

Warfarin sensitivity testing

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant widely used for the prevention of thrombotic events and to treat a confirmed episode of venous thrombosis, with approximately 2 million new patients each year in the US alone. Although highly effective, warfarin’s usability is limited by a narrow therapeutic range combined with a pronounced interindividual variability in the dose required for adequate anticoagulation. Clinical use of warfarin is further complicated by a substantial risk for hemorrhagic side effects, which is increased in patients with low-dose requirements. Warfarin is the second-most-likely drug, after Digoxin, to cause adverse events requiring hospitalization.