GeneNews presents results of study on cost-effectiveness of ColonSentry™ for colorectal cancer screening

ColonSentry™ detected more early stage colorectal cancer, saved lives and lowered the costs associated with late stage colorecal cancer

GeneNews Limited (TSX: GEN), a company focused on developing blood-based biomarker tests for the early detection of diseases and personalized health management, today announced that it is presenting results of a health economic analysis of the ColonSentry™ test as a screening tool for colorectal cancer. The results are being presented at the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Symposium in Ottawa, Ontario from April 5-7, 2009.

The abstract entitled, "The Cost-Effectiveness of a Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening" demonstrated that the ColonSentry test detected more early-stage colorectal cancers, saved lives, and lowered the costs associated with late-stage colorectal cancer compared to the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or no screening. The results of the decision-analytic model were presented in terms of quality-adjusted life-years ("QALY"), a standard measure which takes into account both the quantity and quality of life lived. From the healthcare perspective, the ColonSentry test was cost-effective versus no screening ($41,227/QALY) and FOBT ($47,699/QALY). For private payers, ColonSentry saved more lives and cost less than FOBT (-$40,124/QALY) or no screening (-$34,726/QALY).

"Colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death, can be treated relatively easily if detected early, however, most cases are detected too late largely due to reluctance to undergo screening. The ColonSentry test is a blood test and we believe this simple fact will encourage people to undergo screening earlier. This analysis shows that the ColonSentry test is a cost-effective strategy to help preserve an organization's investment in human capital and protect them from costly healthcare claims related to late stage colorectal cancer," said Gailina Liew, Chief Operating Officer of GeneNews. "This is an important economic validation for our ColonSentry™ product and we believe it will demonstrate to third party payers that this product provides a meaningful return on investment for many organizations and their employees, in terms of cost savings and preservation of life."

The results of this analysis will also be presented at the Canadian Association for Population Therapeutics Annual Conference held from April 19 - 21, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec. Following this conference, the abstract will be published in The Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

More information about the ColonSentry test and specimen collection sites can be found at www.colonsentry.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.