Biophysical Corp. Launches Innovative Assessment of Personal Health Risks

Revolutionary use of blood biomarkers by Austin–based company.

AUSTIN, Texas, August 15, 2005 — Biophysical Corporation today announced the formal launch of its business operations to market an innovative health assessment program directly to consumers. The privately held, Austin, Texas-based company's Biophysical250TM measures more than 250 biochemical markers in the blood that can signal the presence of many diseases and clinical conditions, often before symptoms appear.

"This profile goes beyond any commercially available test or screening and provides the most advanced and comprehensive analysis of your health ever developed," says Mark Chandler, Biophysical's chairman and chief executive officer. "While much attention has been focused on the promise of genetics, that promise is giving way to the reality of biomarkers and the depth of knowledge gained from the simultaneous screening of multiple blood components."

The Biophysical250 assessment program was developed by Chandler and an expert team of researchers and physicians. Joining Chandler as president and chief medical officer is Dr. George Rodgers, a prominent cardiologist who formerly served as president of both the Austin Heart cardiology group and the Austin Heart Foundation. Biophysical's medical advisory board includes clinicians and scientists from Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Medical School, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Michigan.

Chandler characterizes the ability to measure 250 biomarkers in a single evaluation using a small sample of blood as a major medical breakthrough. Although many diseases or medical conditions alter an individual's specific blood chemistry in a characteristic fashion, a basic blood test ordered in the course of a physical exam typically measures only 12 to 40 biomarkers. Historically the comprehensive blood analysis offered by Biophysical was not available outside the clinical research field due to the large volume of blood required and the associated costs. If tested individually, the more than 250 biomarkers that make up Biophysical250 would cost $30,000 - $40,000 or more. Now available for the first time to the public, Biophysical250 requires only about two tablespoons of blood, and costs $3,400 for all services, materials and consultations.

As a respected cardiologist and clinical researcher, Dr. Stanley L. Hazen recognizes the power of using multiple blood-based biomarkers to identify heart disease risks at their earliest, most treatable stages.

"Cardiovascular diagnostics is poised to enter a new era," said Dr. Hazen. "Like so many other areas of medicine, cardiology will no doubt begin using panels of tests that collectively provide a more comprehensive picture of cardiac risks. With our growing understanding of cardiovascular disease, an exciting and powerful array of new biomarkers are emerging that will revolutionize the treatment and prevention of heart disease." Dr. Hazen is the Head of the Section for Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation, Director for the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention, and a staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

According to Chandler, Biophysical250 surveys the proteins and other naturally occurring substances in the blood that could indicate many conditions and diseases including:

There are perhaps 100 blood-based biomarkers that are commonly recognized by physicians as important in disease identification, prevention and treatment. Some of the familiar biomarkers include cholesterol, prostate-specific antigen or PSA, estrogen and glucose. There are many other emerging biomarkers that are recognized by clinical specialists, and Biophysical250 assesses 150 additional biomarkers, collectively providing an unprecedented ability to measure current health status. Most importantly, because biomarker profiles may be altered by any change in one's health status, Biophysical250 gives individuals and physicians a baseline to monitor changes over time.

The Biophysical250 service begins with the completion of an individual's medical history and a blood draw at the client's home, office or other location. After just a few days and extensive laboratory testing, the client receives a carefully designed, easy-to-read report analyzing all the biomarkers that comprise Biophysical250, along with a copy of the results for the client's physician. The findings are arranged by category and prioritized with an explanation of their significance.

Also included is a detailed companion glossary of all terms used in the report. Clients receive a private consultation with one of Biophysical's physicians, who will also conduct a conference call with the client's doctor concerning the results if requested. While Biophysical physicians will not make a diagnosis, the personal consultation and customized report highlight factors that may require further scrutiny.

The roots of the new company extend back to 1982 when Chandler founded Inland Laboratories to provide plant and bacterial toxins to the medical research community. He later formed successor companies in the Austin area to develop and market biological testing services to clinical researchers and pharmaceutical companies. The knowledge gained through these advanced technologies led to capabilities to offer Biophysical250 directly to consumers.

To further support awareness of the role of blood-based biomarkers in disease detection and prevention, Biophysical Corp. has formed the Center for Biomarker Research as an affiliated, non-profit organization. The Center will initially serve as clearinghouse for published clinical studies on biomarkers. In the future, it is expected the Center will sponsor educational programs for physicians, as well as support and fund relevant research.

About Biophysical Corporation.

Biophysical Corporation is a private, Austin, Texas-based company dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge and quality of life for its clients. Formed in 2004, the company offers Biophysical250, the most comprehensive and advanced assessment of personal health ever developed. Through the innovative analysis of blood-based biomarkers, Biophysical250 may indicate the presence or risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other health risks often before symptoms appear. The company's management and advisory board includes internationally renowned physicians and scientists who are leaders in the field of biomarker research. More information about the company and Biophysical250 is available at www.biophysicalcorp.com or by calling 800.532.7092.