September 23, 2003

News Release: Bostwick Laboratories Announces uPM3(TM) Test, First Genetic Test for Prostate Cancer

Bostwick Laboratories of Richmond, VA announced today its introduction of the uPM3(TM) test, the first-ever urine-based genetic test for prostate cancer.

Supportive clinical data are so compelling that Bostwick Laboratories has decided to offer the test for their patients immediately. uPM3(TM) is licensed from DiagnoCure Inc. of Quebec, Canada, who holds worldwide patent rights for the diagnostic and therapeutic application of the PCA3 gene. uPM3(TM) is based on PCA3, a specific gene that is profusely expressed in prostate cancer tissue (on average, 34 times greater than in benign prostate tissue). No other human tissues have ever been shown to produce PCA3.

The uPM3(TM) test predicts cancer in prostate biopsy with 81% accuracy, compared to 47% accuracy for prostate specific antigen (PSA). Multiple studies reported at several urology meetings throughout 2002 and 2003 have confirmed that the test helps urologists solve the significant diagnostic dilemma of men who have an elevated PSA and a negative biopsy, but who are strongly suspected of having prostate cancer.

Patients who receive the uPM3(TM) undergo a thorough digital rectal prostate examination by a urologist, a standard procedure in prostate cancer detection. This exam causes cells from the patient's prostate to be shed into the urine, and the urine sample, containing the released cells, is sent to Bostwick Laboratories to be tested for genetic expression of the PCA3 gene. If the sample is positive for PCA3, then the patient has a very high likelihood of having prostatic adenocarcinoma. The uPM3(TM) is currently available in the U.S. exclusively from Bostwick Laboratories.

According to Dr. Bostwick, Medical Director and CEO of Bostwick Laboratories: 'The sensitivity and specificity of uPM3(TM) surpasses PSA and all other existing prostate cancer detection tests other than biopsy. Introduction of this new and exciting test by our laboratory underscores our commitment to provide breakthrough technology to our physician clients and the patients we serve.'

Pierre Desy, President and CEO of DiagnoCure says: 'We are very excited to work with Bostwick Laboratories to bring this important new test to the market. Dr. Bostwick is one of the most respected pathologists in the world specializing in urologic diseases. Bostwick Laboratories'ability to offer the test is a significant endorsement of the importance of measuring the PCA3 gene as part of a prostate cancer detection protocol.'

Bostwick Laboratories is a leading private anatomic pathology reference laboratory based in Richmond, VA. Its mission is to help physicians and patients make informed treatment decisions when faced with the diagnosis of cancer by providing the best in diagnostic accuracy and technical and scientific expertise. Bostwick Laboratories focuses on the diagnosis of cancer of urologic organs (prostate, urinary bladder, kidney, and testis), with a special interest in prostate cancer.

DiagnoCure Inc. (Toronto: CUR) specializes in the development and production of diagnostic tests for the detection of cancer. DiagnoCure's mission is to become a leading developer of highly accurate immunoassay and molecular tests enabling the early detection of cancer. The company is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CUR.

For more information about Bostwick Laboratories or uPM3(TM), contact Bostwick Laboratories at 1-804-288-6564.

SOURCE Bostwick Laboratories

Bostwick Laboratories, +1-804-288-6564

http://www.bostwicklaboratories.com


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