Ann Arbor, Michigan, US, and London, UK – NextGen Group plc (AIM:NGG) is pleased to announce that its US-subsidiary NextGen Sciences Inc, a leader in biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification, has launched its plasmacervical14 and plasmastomach14 multiplex protein assays, targeting cervical and stomach cancer biomarker discovery and qualification. The assays each measure 14 human plasma proteins that are believed to have potential as biomarkers in cervical cancer and stomach cancer.

Klaus Rosenau, Chairman and CEO of NextGen Group, commented, ‘The release of the plasmacervical14 and plasmastomach14 is the next step in our on-going plans to release CNS disease and oncology focused, multiplex assays for biomarker discovery and qualification. To ensure we continually deliver the high-quality assays that pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies need to inform their decision-making processes, NextGen Sciences is currently planning more such products in the near future.’

NextGen’s assay is based upon its multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry platform and generates high quality reproducible data that companies can use in their drug and diagnostic development programmes. NextGen expects to develop further oncology and CNS disease-focused assay panels, both as proprietary products and with other companies, through partnerships and collaborations.

NextGen Sciences Inc (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) is the subsidiary of NextGen Group PLC, London, UK (AIM: NGG). It provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic companies with rapid and quantitative protein biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification services using mass spectrometry technology. With a rise in the industry focus on personalized medicine and cost-effectiveness, biomarkers are playing an increasingly important role in drug discovery, development and patient access, as well as healthcare delivery. The global market for biomarkers is expected to grow to $12.8bn by 2012 (BCC Research), with those for neurological disorders ($3.5bn by 2015, Espicom Healthcare) and oncology ($9.5bn by 2014, www.marketsandmarkets.com) playing an important role. NextGen Sciences’ products include discovery of new biomarkers and targets, assay development, and biomarker qualification. For more information please visit our website www.nextgensciences.com