Cancer Research Technology Announces License to TriPath Imaging Inc. of Novel Cancer Diagnostic Markers

Minichromosome Maintenance Proteins Developed as Markers of a Series of Cancers at the University of Cambridge in Studies Funded by Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council

Cambridge and London, UK, August 22, 2005 - Cancer Research Technology Limited (“CRT”) announced today that they have entered into a worldwide license agreement with TriPath Imaging, Inc. (“TriPath”). The license grants exclusive rights to TriPath to several promising cancer diagnostic markers from the Minichromosome Maintenance protein family for the detection of cervical cancer and an exclusive option to breast, lung and colorectal cancers. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Dr. Douglas P. Malinowski, TriPath’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented: “We are very pleased to have access to these important markers from CRT.  We have integrated this technology into our molecular oncology programs from which we hope to develop products that will redefine the early detection and clinical management of cervical cancer”. TriPath, a leader in the development of molecular diagnostic products for cancer, has in addition undertaken a comprehensive development program to characterize the optimal combination of molecular biomarkers for the detection of cervical cancer and its premalignant precursors.

Professor Ron Laskey, Director of the Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, said: “This is an excellent example of two synergistic research programmes, one in academia and the other in industry, converging towards the common goal of improving the early detection of cancers.”

Dr Nicholas Coleman, Programme Leader in the Medical Research Council Cancer Cell Unit and Honorary Consultant Histopathologist at Addenbrooke’s NHS Trust Cambridge said: “The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance of a cure for the patient. These proteins are excellent markers of cancerous and precancerous cells. They allow us to detect abnormalities in cervical smears very accurately and can also improve the early diagnosis of other common cancers, for example those of the large bowel and lung.”

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About Cancer Research Technology Limited

Cancer Research Technology Limited (CRT) is a specialist commercialization and development company, which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies. CRT is wholly owned by Cancer Research UK, the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world.  Further information about CRT can be found at www.cancertechnology.com.

About Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is Europe's leading cancer charity, dedicated to research into the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer. The charity supports the work of 3,000 scientists, doctors and nurses in over 80 academic centres across the UK, with an annual scientific spend of more than £213 million. Cancer Research UK is the European leader in the development of novel anti-cancer treatments; from their discovery at the laboratory bench to early clinical trials in cancer patients. Further information about Cancer Research UK can be found at www.cancerresearchuk.org.

About Tripath Imaging Inc.

TriPath Imaging, Inc., headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, USA, develops, manufactures, markets and sells innovative solutions to improve the clinical management of cancer, including detection, diagnosis, staging and treatment.  TriPath Oncology, a wholly owned subsidiary of TriPath Imaging, develops molecular diagnostic products for malignant melanoma, and cancers of the cervix, breast, ovary and prostate.  Additional company information is available at http://www.tripathimaging.com.

About the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge’s reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known worldwide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges.

As Cambridge approaches its 800th anniversary in 2009, it is looking to the future. It continues to change in response to the challenges it faces. The modern University is an international centre of teaching and research in a vast range of subjects: about half of the students study science or technology. Members of the University have won over 80 Nobel Prizes. (www.cam.ac.uk)

About Cambridge Enterprise

Cambridge Enterprise facilitates the commercial development of University of Cambridge’s intellectual property. Specialist technology transfer staff manage all aspects of patents, copyright and contractual arrangements. Cambridge Enterprise licenses patents and other intellectual property to existing companies, both large and small, as well as to spinouts formed to exploit University technology. Working together with venture capital funds, Cambridge Enterprise forms around five new companies each year.

During 2004 the University applied for 61 patents based on 141 invention disclosures, while a total of 41 new licences and other commercial agreements were completed.  Income from patent and software licences exceeded £2m, and demand for academics' technical advice added a further £1.8 million of revenue. 2004 saw the launch of five new University spin-out companies, and the University invested a total of £800,000 in ventures formed by staff and students. Cambridge Enterprise is at www.enterprise.cam.ac.uk.

About the Medical Research Council

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a national organisation funded by the UK taxpayer. Its business is medical research aimed at improving human health; everyone stands to benefit from the outputs. The research it supports and the scientists it trains meet the needs of the health services, the pharmaceutical and other health-related industries and the academic world. MRC has funded work that has led to some of the most significant discoveries and achievements in medicine in the UK. About half of the MRC's expenditure of approximately £500 million is invested in its 40 Institutes, Units and Centres. The remaining half goes in the form of grant support and training awards to individuals and teams in universities and medical schools. Web site at: http://www.mrc.ac.uk.

Contacts

For Cancer Research Technology:

Nick Wells, Marketing and Business Manager

Tel: +44 (0)207 269 3640, email nwells@cancertechnology.com

For Tripath Imaging Inc:

Stephen P. Hall

Chief Financial Officer

336-290-8721, email: shall@tripathimaging.com

For the Medical Research Council:

Head Office, Press Office

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