LifeSci Capital Initiates Coverage of Vermillion

A Bio-Analytics Company Developing Diagnostic Tests for Gynecologic Diseases and Women’s Health; Report Available here: www.lifescicapital.com/equity-research/vermillion/

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 14, 2015 / LifeSci Capital, LLC, a research-driven investment bank with deep domain expertise in the life sciences sector, today announced that it has initiated coverage of Vermillion, Inc. (NasdaqCM: VRML), a bio-analytical company developing diagnostic tests for gynecologic disease and women’s health. The Company’s lead product OVA1(R) is an FDA-cleared test that measures the levels of five biomarkers to determine the risk of malignancy for an ovarian mass. A second-generation product with improved characteristics is in development and is expected to launch the second half of 2015. Vermillion also plans to launch a 3,000 patient registry to collect data that will aid expansion of the test menu to target additional indications and the ability to differentially diagnose pelvic masses.

OVA1 is a blood test that measures the levels of 5 biomarkers to predict the risk of malignancy of an ovarian mass. The test is indicated for adult women for whom adnexal mass surgery is planned, in order to help determine whether they are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. Those with higher risk may benefit from consultation or referral to a gynecologic oncologist, which has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. OVA1 utilizes a proprietary algorithm to yield a risk score for both pre- and postmenopausal women. In two multi-site, prospective clinical trials, OVA1 predicted 96% of ovarian cancers when combined with physician assessment. Development of a second-generation OVA1 test, OVA2, has recently been completed for the same pre-surgical triage indication and is undergoing FDA review. Two of the OVA1 biomarkers have been replaced in order to increase specificity, which is the ability to correctly predict benign masses, while maintaining high sensitivity, or the ability to correctly predict malignant masses. OVA2 could allow Vermillion to capture a larger fraction of the estimated 100,000 to 300,000 patients per year in the US that are operated on for a pelvic mass.

In a 35 page Initiation Report LifeSci Capital explains the scientific rationale and market potential for Vermillion’s diagnostic tests. The report highlights the unmet medical need for diagnostics in this area and the potential pharmacoeconomic benefits gained from using these tests.

Dr. Isaacson’s full Initiation Report, including important disclosures, is available to download at no cost at the LifeSci Capital website, www.lifescicapital.com/equity-research/. In addition to this Initiation Report, LifeSci Capital intends to provide ongoing coverage and event-based research updates on Vermillion as developments occur.

The LifeSci Capital research team is led by Dr. Jerry Isaacson, an industry veteran with broad experience in biotechnology, having worked in both public and private biotech companies in areas ranging from medicinal chemistry and analytical chemistry to patents and investor/public relations. Dr. Isaacson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Harvard University and received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California in San Diego.

About LifeSci Capital:

LifeSci Capital (Member: FINRA/SIPC) is a research-driven investment bank with deep domain expertise in the life sciences. Our service model as a boutique investment bank is unique in that we exclusively serve emerging life science companies that discover, develop, and commercialize innovative products. We view our clients as our partners, and we work closely with them to establish and execute their capital markets strategies. Our broadly-distributed equity research product is differentiated and provides a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and the opportunities they are addressing. To learn more about LifeSci Capital, visit the company’s website, www.lifescicapital.com.

Analyst Contact:

Jerry Isaacson, Ph.D.
Phone: (646) 597-6991
Email: jisaacson@lifescicapital.com

SOURCE: LifeSci Capital, LLC

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