WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD), the developer of the BGM Galectin-3 Test and SilverStaff Clinical Laboratories, Inc. today announced that SilverStaff will be offering galectin-3 testing services to its laboratory customers and physicians.
The BGM Galectin-3 Test is a simple and affordable blood test that, when used in conjunction with clinical evaluation, is an aid in assessing the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure by identifying those who are at greater risk of adverse events including hospitalizations and cardiovascular death [1]. Having identified patients who are at higher risk of near-term adverse events, physicians and other health care providers may aim to better allocate scarce resources to those who need them the most [2,3].
"We are very pleased that SilverStaff will be offering galectin-3 testing services," said Paul R. Sohmer, M.D., President and CEO of BG Medicine. "We believe that growing interest in our test, as expressed by healthcare providers and regional clinical laboratories, reflects that our test has the potential to meet an unmet clinical need and the potential value associated with identifying chronic heart failure patients who are at higher risk of adverse events including hospitalizations, death and unnecessary readmissions."
The BGM Galectin-3 Test has been studied in over 10,000 patients, across dozens of distinct clinical studies. Earlier this year, BG Medicine announced the inclusion of galectin-3 as a biomarker of myocardial fibrosis for use as an additive risk stratification test in heart failure patients, in the 2013 Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure that was released by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation Task Force on Practice Guidelines.
The launch of galectin-3 testing by SilverStaff Laboratories, headquartered in Tennessee, represents further expansion of the availability of galectin-3 testing to practicing physicians across the United States.
About SilverStaff Clinical Laboratories, Inc.
SilverStaff Clinical Laboratories is a full service laboratory certified by the State of Tennessee and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). SilverStaff's Mission is to empower providers and their patients in the management of chronic disease and in so doing generate synergies regarding access, compliance, and cost. SSCL currently has a national footprint in the endocrine, oral health and cardiovascular markets. By the end of 2013, SilverStaff will expand their services to include genetic and pathogen testing. SilverStaff is a dynamic company that has customized solutions for their customers, providing ordering panels specific to their needs. Early detection drives SilverStaff to create new test panels keeping them on the forefront of preventative health. For additional information please visit www.silverstaff.com
About BG Medicine, Inc.
BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD), the developer of the BGM Galectin-3 Test, is focused on the development and delivery of diagnostic solutions to aid in the clinical management of heart failure and related disorders. For additional information about BG Medicine, heart failure and galectin-3 testing, please visit www.bg-medicine.com. The BG Medicine Inc. logo is available for download here
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: our belief that growing interest in our test reflects that our test has the potential to meet an unmet clinical need and the potential value associated with identifying chronic heart failure patients who are at higher risk of adverse events including hospitalizations, death and unnecessary readmissions. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Item 1A in BG Medicine's annual report and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and BG Medicine disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.
[1] BGM Galectin-3® [US package insert] Waltham, MA: BG Medicine, Inc.; 2012
[2] de Boer RA, et al. Annals of Medicine 2011; 43(1): 60-8
[3] McCullough PA, et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine 2011; 12 (4): 200-10
CONTACT: Media Contacts:
SilverStaff Clinical Laboratories, Inc:
James D. West, Chief Executive Officer, (615) 550-5880
BG-Medicine:
Chuck Abdalian, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, (781) 434-0210
