Bergen, 15th June 2006: NorDiag ASA has entered into collaboration with NHS Tayside in Dundee, Scotland, to analyze samples obtained during a Scottish research study conducted during the pilot of a screening programme for bowel cancer.

In May 2005, Scotland launched Phase 1 of a proposed national screening programme using non- invasive testing for bowel cancer. The programme will target the eligible population between 50-74 years, using a FOBT (faecal occult blood test) done at home for the initial screening. NorDiag will use its genetic diagnostic test, Genefec, on samples from individuals showing up positive on FOBT to assess whether genetic testing can further direct the investigation to those individuals most likely to actually develop cancer.

We are confident that our genetic Genefec test will prove more specific than the FOBT, particularly with respect to false positive results. For us this is a great opportunity to prove that Genefec will add value to bowel cancer screening programmes, since we believe we can narrow down the number of suspected cancer cases and thus reduce the need for invasive follow-up examinations, says CSO Dr David Parker in NorDiag ASA.

The collaboration project has been set up by NorDiag`s Chief Scientific Officer Dr David Parker and Professor Callum G Fraser at the Department of Biochemical Medicine in NHS Tayside, the consultant clinical biochemist for the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre laboratory. Professor Fraser published results from the research study in The Lancet Oncology (2006; 7; 127-131). The results from the collaboration with NorDiag are expected to be submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal later this year.

In a feasibility study earlier this year, we saw that NorDiag`s genetic assay was able to analyse samples stored from our research study, and now we look forward to seeing if the assay results can add to our diagnostic abilities compared with the current procedures and possibly provide additional information in other clinical situations, says Professor Fraser at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths, affecting 1 in 20 individuals in the western world. Early detection is key to both survival rates and treatment costs, and several European countries are therefore planning nationwide screening for early indicators of colorectal cancer. In Europe alone, the number of individuals in the relevant age group is estimated at more than 80 million, and NorDiag`s Genefec is currently the only non-invasive genetic test available for detection of colorectal cancer in this region.

About the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme:
The bowel (colorectal) cancer screening pilot in Scotland began in April 2000 in NHS Tayside, NHS Grampian and NHS Fife. All men and women aged between 50 and 69 years who were registered with a GP Practice were invited. The pilot is now in its third round, which is the first phase of national rollout. On 30 August 2005, Andy Kerr the Scottish Health Minister, announced that the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme will roll out to the rest of Scotland from 2007 onwards inviting all eligible men and women between 50 - 74 years. All individuals will be sent a guaiac- based FOBT kit. Tests will be returned to the single screening centre for Scotland, which will be based in Dundee at King`s Cross. If the overall result of screening is positive, then the individual will be referred to their local hospital for further assessment and may be offered a colonoscopy, if appropriate.

See: www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/mels/HDL2006_03.pdf for more info.

About NorDiag ASA:
NorDiag is a biotechnology company focusing on early diagnosis of cancer. The company`s first product is Genefec for genetic diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The Genefec assay is a non- invasive test using faecal samples as specimen. The test is highly specific, easy to automate and currently used and reimbursed as a diagnostic assay in Scandinavia. NorDiag is listed on Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker NORD.

For further information, please contact; CEO Christian Horn in NorDiag ASA, tel: +47 9016 3153