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GeneNews appoints Canadian Colorectal Cancer Advisory Board

TORONTO, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - 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 the formation of a Canadian Colorectal Cancer Advisory Board. Drs. Lawrence Cohen, Jeffrey Baker, Khursheed JeeJeebhoy, Andy Smith and Mr. Barry Stein will advise GeneNews on clinical and patient adoption strategies for the Canadian commercialization of ColonSentry(TM), the world's first blood-based screening test to determine a person's current risk for colorectal cancer.

"Following our July launch of ColonSentry(TM), we are increasing the availability of our test across theGreater Toronto Area and plan to expand into other regions ofCanada through 2009," said Dr. Heiner Dreismann, Interim CEO and Lead Director of GeneNews. "This group of experts has been assisting us in delivering a series of physician education sessions on the need to engage in colorectal cancer screening and how increased compliance can ultimately save lives and potentially reduce the health economic burden. As we prepare to roll out our ColonSentry(TM) test acrossCanada, this advisory board will also provide invaluable region-specific insights to allow us to most efficiently drive commercial adoption."

Dr. Lawrence Cohen

Dr. Cohen is the Director of and consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Chief of Medical Endoscopy at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Cohen received his Master of Science in Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and his Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University. He completed his Internal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Toronto with subspecialty training in Gastroenterology and Therapeutic Endoscopy.

Dr. Jeffrey Baker

Dr. Baker has been atSt. Michael's Hospital since 1985 where he currently practices general gastroenterology with major interests in endoscopy, especially colonoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease and clinical nutrition. Dr. Baker graduated from the University of Toronto medical school and subsequently trained in internal medicine inToronto and then gastroenterology at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation inLa Jolla, California.

Dr. Khursheed Jeejeebhoy

Dr. Jeejeebhoy was the former division director of gastroenterology at the University of Toronto and the Toronto General Hospital and currently directs nutrition support and is a staff physician atSt. Michael's Hospital. He is also a Emeritus Professor of Medicine, cross appointed to the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto. Dr. Jeejeebhoy received his medical degree from the Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore,India and obtained his PhD fromLondon University.

Dr. Andy Smith

Dr. Smith is a Surgical Oncologist at the Odette Cancer Centre, Head of the Division of General Surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Smith completed medical school and General Surgery residency at the University of Toronto. During residency, he completed a Masters of Science studying the molecular biology of colorectal cancer.

Mr. Barry Stein

Mr. Stein is the President of the Colorectal Cancer Association ofCanada (CCAC) and a survivor of metastatic colorectal cancer that was diagnosed in 1995. Mr. Stein graduated from McGill University faculties of Business Management and Law and he has been a member of the Bar ofQuebec since 1981.

About GeneNews

GeneNews is focused on the application of functional genomics to enable early diagnosis and personalized therapeutic intervention based on disease-specific biomarkers. The Company has developed a novel approach, the Sentinel Principle(TM), to detect and stage virtually any disease or medical condition from a simple blood sample. GeneNews is currently applying the Sentinel Principle(TM) in major areas with unmet clinical needs such as cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. For more information on GeneNews, visit www.genenews.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.

SOURCE GeneNews Limited

Tags: ,BIO,MTC,HEA,PER,GEN-advisory-board

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