Epigenomics : U.S. Representatives Payne, Marchant, and Sewell Introduce Bi-Partisan Colorectal Cancer Detection Bill

15. March 2019

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Legislation aims to provide coverage under the Medicare program for FDA-approved qualifying colorectal cancer screening blood-based tests

Berlin (Germany) and San Diego, CA (U.S.A.), March 15, 2019 - Representatives Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) and Kenny Marchant (R-TX) today introduced the 'Donald Payne Sr. Colorectal Cancer Detection Act' to the United States House of Representatives in Washington D.C. This House Bill aims to provide payment and coverage under the Medicare program for FDA-approved qualifying colorectal cancer (CRC) screening blood-based tests.

'Medicare reimbursement for FDA-approved CRC screening blood tests has the potential to impact underserved urban and rural populations by significantly improving screening rates, thus saving lives while cutting health care costs', said Donald Payne, Jr. 'We offer our strong support for the 'Donald Payne Sr. Colorectal Cancer Detection Act' to change the paradigm when it comes to colorectal cancer screening.'

'Screening utilizing blood testing mitigates patient barriers associated with typical colorectal cancer screening methods. The House Bill addresses the last barrier for Medicare patients - payment,' said Greg Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics AG. 'The passing of this bill provides millions of unscreened Americans access to CRC screening and ultimately saves thousands of lives.'

About colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Although screening and early detection of colorectal cancer can save lives, about 35%of eligible U.S. patients are not being screened regularly. The unscreened population disproportionately results in 43% of new CRC cases and about 76% of CRC deaths and the associated costs. Approximately $18 billion is spent annually on this preventable disease in the U.S. Thereof, over $13 billion is spent on cases from unscreened individuals.

By increasing screening and detecting more cancers early, the costs and deaths from this disease both can be addressed. The addition of the blood-based methods to the Medicare covered services would increase screening access in both urban and rural areas where populations are less likely to be screened.

The Payne/Marchant effort is a bipartisan effort to address appropriate use of health care resources.

About Epi proColon®
Epi proColon® is indicated for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients who are unwilling or unable to perform colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy and stool-based methods.

For patients, the test only requires a simple blood sample draw as part of routine healthcare provider visits. There are no dietary restrictions or alterations in medication required for the test. The sample will be analyzed at a national or regional diagnostic laboratory.

For more information on Epi proColon®, visit www.epiprocolon.com.

About Epigenomics
Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company focused on blood-based detection of cancers using its proprietary DNA methylation biomarker technology. The company develops and commercializes diagnostic products across multiple cancer indications with high medical need. Epigenomics' lead product, Epi proColon®, is a blood-based screening test for the detection of colorectal cancer. Epi proColon® has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently marketed in the United States, Europe, and China and selected other countries. Epi proLung® and HCCBloodTest, blood-based tests for lung and liver cancer detection, have received CE mark in Europe.

For more information, visit www.epigenomics.com.

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