Vigilant Biosciences Announces Oral Presentation on CD44 and Associated Markers in Oral Rinses and Tissues from Oral Cancer Patients at AHNS 9th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. and SEATTLE, July 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AHNS Conference – Vigilant Biosciences, Inc., a leading innovator and developer of solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, today announced a presentation of data related to proof-of-concept studies by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center ("Sylvester") at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, titled CD44 and Associated Markers in Oral Rinses and Tissues from Oral Cancer Patients.

These studies, led by Elizabeth Franzmann, M.D., a member of Sylvester, director of Head and Neck Research and associate professor at the Miller School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology, and Chief Scientific Officer of Vigilant Biosciences, demonstrated the ability to identify the presence of the tumor-initiating and stem cell associated biomarker CD44, together with total protein, to indicate an elevated risk for oral cancer, even prior to the observation of visual or physical symptoms, by using a simple, oral rinse procedure. The studies provided direction for the clinical development of Vigilant Biosciences OncAlert™ Oral Cancer and OncAlert™ Labs product lines.

The data will be presented in a podium presentation at the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) 9th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer, which will be held July 16-20, 2016, in Seattle, Washington, USA. Vigilant Biosciences will also be showcasing its OncAlert Oral Cancer and OncAlert Labs product lines at the AHNS conference in Booth #617.

Details for the poster session are as follows:

Title: "CD44 and Associated Markers in Oral Rinses and Tissues from Oral Cancer Patients"
Presenter: Erin R Cohen, M.D.
Date/Time: Monday, July 18, 2016, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Scientific Session Number: S143
Session Name: Basic Science
Location: Tahoma 1

Additionally, Dr. Franzmann, along with Vigilant Biosciences Founder, Chairman and CEO, Matthew H.J. Kim, will present an oral presentation, "The Science of Earlier — Oral Cancer Biomarkers That Are Changing the Game," on Tuesday, July 19, at 12:15 p.m. at the AHNS Industry Theater, located in the exhibit hall.

The full schedule of events can be viewed at www.ahns2016.org.

The American Head and Neck Society is the largest organization in North America for the advancement of research and education in head and neck oncology. The AHNS 9th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer brings together head and neck surgeons, radiologists and oncologists, to discuss the treatment of head and neck cancer. This year's program theme is "Technology Transforming Head and Neck Cancer Care."

About Vigilant Biosciences Products
Vigilant Biosciences' product line is based on patented technology that measures an unprecedented combination of soluble CD44, a tumor-initiating and stem cell associated biomarker, and total protein levels – markers clinically validated to be associated specifically with oral cancer when measured in an oral rinse – to aid clinicians in the early detection and intervention of oral cancer. The simple, oral rinse procedure is easy to administer and non-invasive for the patient.  Vigilant Biosciences' product line currently includes the OncAlert Labs OraMark Test, a laboratory developed test available only through OncAlert Labs, a CLIA certified laboratory; and the OncAlert™ Oral Cancer RAPID Test and the OncAlert™ Oral Cancer LAB Test, both CE Marked and available in select markets outside the United States. The accurate, cost-effective tests can benefit every adult, with particular emphasis on high-risk populations (i.e., current and former tobacco users, those who consume excessive alcohol, and people with human papillomavirus).

About Oral Cancer
There are more than 440,000 new cases of oral cancer each year worldwide. More than 48,000 individuals estimated in the United States alone will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year with close to 9,600 deaths resulting from this disease, killing roughly one person per hour, 24 hours per day. Worldwide, the mortality rates reach up to an estimated 242,000 deaths each year from oral cancer. Historically the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high due to late-stage diagnosis and intervention. Currently, the vast majority of patients are detected through a visual exam and/or are symptomatic, at which point they are likely late stage. As a result, oral cancer often goes undetected to the point of metastasizing. Early diagnosis of oral cancer results in a cure rate of up to 90 percent.

For more information or to set up a meeting with Vigilant Biosciences at AHNS, please contact Jennifer Moritz at [email protected].

About Vigilant Biosciences, Inc.
Vigilant Biosciences is a leading innovator and developer of solutions that aid clinicians in the early detection and intervention of cancer. The Vigilant Biosciences OncAlertTM Oral Cancer product line and OncAlert Labs product line include point-of-care and lab-based products and services that are simple, accurate and cost-effective and that can empower healthcare practitioners to improve potential outcomes through earlier intervention. The OncAlert Oral Cancer LAB Test and the OncAlert Oral Cancer RAPID Test are CE Marked and available in select international markets outside the U.S. The OraMarkTM Test is a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) that is only available in the U.S. exclusively through OncAlert Labs, LLC, a CLIA-certified laboratory and a member of the Vigilant Biosciences family of companies. For more information, visit www.vigilantbiosciences.com and www.oncalertlabs.com.

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SOURCE Vigilant Biosciences, Inc.

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