VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Med BioGene Inc. (TSX Venture: MBI), a life science company focused on the development and commercialization of genomic-based diagnostic tests for cancer and cardiovascular disease, is pleased to announce that Heiner Dreismann, Ph.D., has joined the company’s Board of Directors and will chair MBI’s Strategy Committee.  Dr. Dreismann is the former Chief Executive Officer of Roche Molecular Diagnostics (Roche), a division of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

“Dr. Dreismann is one of the top industry experts in the field of molecular diagnostics.  He has a proven track-record of leadership in the development, commercialization and adoption of molecular diagnostics and brings to Med BioGene valuable experience and industry contacts.  We are very pleased to welcome him to our team” commented Erinn Broshko, Chief Executive Officer of MBI.

Roche pioneered the clinical implementation of molecular diagnostics. While at Roche, Dr. Dreismann led the introduction in Europe of the company’s PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and, now industry-standard, real-time PCR-based tests.  PCR is a Nobel-prize winning technology which has been recognized as one of the most important scientific developments of our generation.  PCR allows scientists to copy a single segment of DNA billions of times, making it possible to take a specimen, copy its genetic sequence, and, within hours, generate a test sample sufficient to perform a detailed analysis of a specific genetic question.

Under Dr. Dreismann’s leadership as Chief Executive Officer, Roche evolved into one of the world’s leading molecular diagnostics companies with annual sales to over US $1 billion and the significant expansion of their portfolio of diagnostic tests and hardware. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dreismann held other senior positions within Roche in the areas of Global Business Development, Business Unit Manager for PCR and Microbiology, as well as R&D positions in microbiology and infectious diseases and in manufacturing.

Dr. Dreismann holds a Masters Degree in Biology and a Ph.D. in Microbiology/Molecular Biology from Westfaelische Wilhelms University in Muenster, Germany.

“Med BioGene’s lead tests under development, LungExpress Dx™ and LymphExpress Dx™, have the potential to make an immediate impact on patient care by providing a more significant understanding of each patient’s cancer, thus resulting in better-informed, more appropriate treatment decisions.  The commercialization of these technologies will move us much closer to the ultimate goal of personalized medicine. I’m very pleased to be joining the Med BioGene team at such an exciting time”, stated Dr. Dreismann

Corporate Matters

MBI has granted five-year incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.17 per share.

About Med BioGene

MBI is a life science company focused on the development and commercialization of genomic-based clinical laboratory diagnostic and prognostic tests for cancer and cardiovascular disease.  MBI develops these tests by identifying the genes, known as "biomarkers," which indicate the presence of disease.  The development of these tests is the first step towards personalized medicine and will assist in replacing the conventional “one drug fits all” approach to disease management.

MBI’s lead products are LungExpress Dx™, a gene expression-based prognostic test for lung cancer, and LymphExpress Dx™, a gene expression-based diagnostic and prognostic test for lymphoma. 

For corporate information, please contact:

Erinn B. Broshko
Chief Executive Officer
(604) 306-4969
ebroshko@medbiogene.com
www.medbiogene.com

For investor relations information, please contact:

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