TriPath Oncology Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of TriPath Imaging Inc has signed a definitive agreement with AmeriPath Inc to commercialize a novel gene expression assay for malignant melanoma. The agreement follows successful completion of a series of key development and validation milestones by the parties initiated earlier this year.

According to the terms of the agreement, TriPath Oncology will supply AmeriPath with a novel gene-based probe labeled as an analyte specific reagent (ASR) that will be incorporated into an in situ hybridization assay developed at AmeriPath. AmeriPath will initially offer the melanoma assay at its Center for Advanced Diagnostics facility located in Orlando, FL. AmeriPath shall have exclusive rights to the assay for clinical diagnostic testing services subject to certain diligence milestones. The agreement further contemplates the initiation of additional research studies by the parties to more broadly assess the clinical significance of the novel melanoma gene.

"This agreement represents a significant milestone for TriPath Oncology by providing broad market accessibility to novel genomic markers for melanoma," commented Paul R. Sohmer, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TriPath Imaging. "As the market leader in dermatopathology services, we feel that AmeriPath is the ideal partner to bring this assay to market. The marker for malignant melanoma is the first in a series of novel assays expected to come out of our relationship with Becton Dickinson (BD)."

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2001 approximately 51,400 new cases of malignant melanoma were diagnosed in the U.S. Although melanoma accounts for only 5% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for more than 75% of deaths from skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 7,800 persons have died from melanoma in 2001.