MEDIA RELEASE

INEX TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE OVARIAN CANCER DETECTION KIT AT MEDICA

Colorimetric kit utilizes cyst sample to yield positive/negative results in 5 minutes November 4, 2014: INEX Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd. (INEX), a leading Singapore-based women’s health diagnostics company today announced that it will be launching OvaCisTM, a new and innovative Ovarian Cancer detection kit at MEDICA. MEDICA is the world’s largest medical trade fair, held in Dusseldorf, Germany, with over 130,000 visitors from over 120 countries attending annually. OvaCisTM is an innovative colorimetric kit that accurately discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts with 98% accuracy, in 5 minutes. Based on a patented Point-Of-Care-Technology (“POCT”) platform, OvaCisTM works by identifying a protein biomarker found in ovarian cysts. An ovarian cyst fluid sample is taken from a patient during laparoscopic surgery and applied to the kit. The reagents combine to yield a colorimetric chart which displays if the cancer is present (positive) or not (negative). It is anticipated that the kit will revolutionize the practice of intraoperative surgical procedures. To date, no such kit exists, and it is envisaged that this disposable device will be readily adopted for routine ovarian cyst surgery in the near future. OvaCisTM has been developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore, in collaboration with INEX Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd. “This is the first study whereby an intra-operative tumour marker from ovarian cyst fluid (OCF) has been utilised in the differentiation between benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Using a homogenous sample as OCF decreases the possibilities of false negatives. Its accuracy suggests that it could be utilised as a replacement or an adjunct to frozen section, particularly in situations where histopathological facilities or expertise are scarce,” said Dr Francisco M. Gil-Salas, Ph.D., Business Development Manager INEX. “Frozen section, as the current mainstay of intra-operative diagnosis of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, is limited in achieving accurate diagnosis. It is also time-consuming and not universally available especially in developing countries. With the use of OvaCisTM , surgeons will now have an aid in the operating room to assist them in their patient management care,” he continued. “The OvaCisTM launch at MEDICA signals our progress in delivering such an important test in the global medical technology market. The international attendance at MEDICA and high caliber decision-markers make it a natural choice for us, being as it is a great platform to share product innovations and technologies within a commercially enabled environment, said Dr Francisco M. Gil-Salas, Ph.D., Business Development Manager INEX. -------------------------------------- About INEX Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd Established in 2006, Innovations Exchanged Pte. Ltd (INEX) is a pioneering molecular diagnostics company focused on delivering innovative solutions for the advancement of women’s maternal and fetal health. A joint initiative by the National University of Singapore (“NUS”) and its researchers, INEX collaborates with prominent clinicians, clinician-scientists and academic institutions to leverage innovative technologies and revolutionize medicine for women’s healthcare. www.inex.sg About OvaCisTM OvaCisTM is an innovative colorimetric kit that accurately discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts with 98% accuracy, in 5 minutes. More than 90% of all ovarian malignancies are of epithelial origin, called epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Ovarian cysts are commonly present in most EOCs. Each year a large number of women go for ovarian cystectomy to remove ovarian cysts that are though to be benign. Studies show that ovarian malignancy is unexpectedly encountered in 1 to 14% of cases undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy. Intra-operative detection of malignancy for women going for ovarian cystectomy is critical for triage of patients for the most suitable surgical procedures, particularly important for young patients who wish to preserve fertility, and prevent unnecessary multiple surgeries. www.ovacis.com.sg For more information, please contact: Sue Voon sue.chuah@inex.sg Marketing Executive INEX Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd.

Point-of-Care Kit

FAQ 1: What is OvaCisTM? OvaCis™ is a revolutionary Point-of-Care kit that is simple to use and enables surgeons to distinguish benign from malignant ovarian cysts – on-site in the operating theatre – in just five minutes. FAQ 2: What is an Epithelial Ovarian Cyst? An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with liquid that arises in an ovary. When a cyst is formed from the cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary, it is called an Epithelial Ovarian Cyst. More than 90% of ovarian tumours are classified as epithelial ovarian cancer. While most cases are usually benign, studies show that ovarian malignancy is encountered in 1 to 14% cases of laparoscopic cystectomies. Therefore, intra-operative testing for malignancy is vital for optimum surgical management, and particularly important for young women who wish to preserve their fertility. FAQ 3: How does OvaCisTM work? OvaCisTM works by identifying a protein biomarker found in ovarian cysts. A sample of cyst fluid is taken from the patient during laparoscopic surgery and applied to the kit. The reagents combine to yield a colorimetric reaction which reveals if cancer is present (positive) or not (negative). FAQ 4: Who can administer the OvaCis™ test? OvaCis™ is designed for healthcare professionals, which includes clinicians, doctors and nurses. A user information leaflet is enclosed in each kit, detailing step-by-step instructions on how to apply the cyst sample into the kit. FAQ 5: How useful is it in practical terms? Frozen section – the current mainstay of intra-operative diagnosis of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer – is limited in achieving an accurate diagnosis. It is dependent on the area of tissue sample being analysed, and may not accurately reflect sections of abnormal tissue. It is also time consuming (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour) and not universally available, especially in developing countries. It is anticipated that OvaCis™ will revolutionise the practice of intra-operative surgical procedures. To date, no such kit exists, and it is envisaged that the test will routinely be used during ovarian cyst surgeries in the near future. FAQ 6: At what stage of patient care can we use OvaCisTM? OvaCisTM is intended for the intra-operative suspicion of malignancy for women going for ovarian cystectomy. FAQ 7: How does the clinician manage the outcome of the result? If the result is positive, clinicians can send the cyst wall for frozen section. If the result is negative, clinicians can proceed with the cystectomy with the assurance that the ovarian cyst is going to be benign. FAQ 8: Where was the test developed? OvaCisTM was developed by INEX Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd and the National University of Singapore. It has been three years in the making, utilising the latest medical technology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology research available. OvaCisTM is now patented for use internationally. FAQ 9: Is the kit portable? OvaCisTM is available in 170x150mm tray kit boxes, representing a complete workstation with several components – the syringes, reagents and colorimetric chart fits together in a compact portable tray kit that can be conveniently used in the operating room. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ References: 1. Marana R, Muzii L, Ferrari S, Catalano GF, Zannoni G, Marana E. Management of adnexal cystic masses with unexpected intracystic vegetations detected during laparoscopy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2005; 12:502-507.