Ikonisys Inc. Forms Partnership with World Leader in Diagnostic Imaging PR Newswire -- February 7, 2002 NEW HAVEN, Conn., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Ikonisys, Inc., has forged a relationship with one of the world leaders in diagnostic imaging, The Bracco Group, granting the company a license to use and market Ikonisys' impending non-invasive test for the detection of Down's syndrome. In return, Bracco will become an equity investor in Ikonisys, a biomedical technology company at the forefront of cell-based diagnostics, and will assist the New Haven-based company in its clinical trials of the Down's syndrome diagnostic test. Italy-based Bracco plans to market the test in its home market. "This is a strategic partnership for Ikonisys as it positions the company in a major European market," said Dr. Petros Tsipouras, CEO of Ikonisys Inc. "We are very happy to have developed this relationship with one of the leading global industry players. This brings validation to Ikonisys' cell based diagnostic approach." The Down's syndrome test is the first product for Ikonisys, which uses a systems-integrated approach to diagnostics that converges molecular and cellular biology, microscopy and image analysis that facilitates in the use of cell-based diagnostics. For the Down's syndrome test, the Ikonisys system depends on the ability to detect genetic signals in fetal cells circulating in the maternal bloodstream during pregnancy. Central to the system is thefully automated digital Ikoniscope(TM) microscope. Ikonisys is harnessing cell-based diagnostics through the development of a highly flexible platform for both the identification of cells of interest and diagnostic signals generated within those cells. It provides the capability to analyze large volumes of information in an accurate and rapid manner. "Cell based diagnostics allows the generation of molecular information to be gathered in the context of a cell of know origin," Tsipouras said. "This technique of analyzing highly characterized cells enables improvement in disease diagnosis and management." The partnership between Bracco and Ikonisys will aid in the development of the Down's syndrome test through the clinical trials and the approval and reimbursement processes within the European Union. Bracco will market the product through the Centro Diagnostico Italiano, an affiliated clinical reference lab. Ikonisys, Inc. is a private company developing technology in the field of cell-based diagnostics. It is currently developing applications of the technology in the areas of pre-natal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and cancer detection and monitoring. Contact: Angel Streeter, 561/750-9800 ext. 21 or astreeter@transmediagroup.com