Synarc Introduces a Novel Biomarker of Cartilage Degradation for Arthritis Clinical Trials

Lyon, France. May 2, 2005 –Synarc, Inc., a leader in specialized medical imaging and molecular marker services for global clinical trials, announced the introduction of a novel biochemical marker of joint-tissue breakdown for use in clinical trials of new therapies for arthritis. Details of their specific immunoassay for the new urinary degradation fragment of type II collagen, called Syncart™ (helix-II), are published in the April issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism (Vol 52, pp 1081-1090). Breakdown of type-II collagen is a specific indicator of cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, two highly prevalent and debilitating joint diseases collectively afflicting more than 15% of the world population.

“Syncart™ helps identify early arthritis patients who are at high risk of rapidly progressive joint destruction and therefore in need of aggressive structure-modifying therapy” said Patrick Garnero, DSc., PhD, Vice President and General Manager of Molecular Marker Services for Synarc in Lyon, France. “By identifying ideal candidates for clinical trials, this new biochemical marker helps reduce the time and cost of drug development aimed at preserving joint integrity in arthritis”.

“The development of Syncart™ exemplifies Synarc’s commitment to innovation aimed at reducing uncertainty, time and cost in drug development, and to helping bring better therapies into clinical use faster” said Charles Peterfy, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Musculoskeletal at Synarc in San Francisco, California.

About Synarc, Inc.

Synarc, Inc. is the world's largest dedicated provider of centralized imaging and molecular marker services for clinical trials for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices industries. The company has eight offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia (San Francisco, Portland, Boston, Copenhagen, Lyon, Paris, Hamburg and Beijing).

#  #  #

For Information Contact:

U.S.
Joy Valderrama
Marketing & Sales Support Specialist
+1.415.817.8919
joy.valderrama@synarc.com

Europe
Jean-Claude Provost
Vice President, Cardiology and Neurology
+33 1 49 66 24 04