Bergen, 23rd October 2006: NorDiag ASA has secured exclusive worldwide commercial rights for a new DNA analysis method for cancer detection. NorDiag will immediately start a clinical validation trial with the aim of launching a first line colorectal cancer screening product during 2007.

NorDiag expects that the method will enable development of a new genetic test for first-line screening of colorectal cancer (CRC), with the required characteristics related to cost efficiency, performance, ease of sample collection and scalability necessary for successful implementation in large scale screening programs.

The new screening test will complement NorDiag’s more advanced Genefec product, which is being marketed as a diagnostic colorectal cancer test and a second-line test for CRC screening programs. NorDiag will also review possible integration of the acquired technology in Genefec to further improve the performance of the test.

The market for colorectal cancer screening is significant. In the UK, the health authorities expect to perform approximately 2 million tests annually and have allocated GBP £37.5m for the first two years of screening. Most European CRC screening programmes are currently conducted with FOBT (Faecal Occult Blood Tests), which are significantly less specific than NorDiag’s genetic tests.

NorDiag is already involved in pilot studies for screening programs in Scotland and in Tuscany in Italy, where the company will use Genefec as a second-line test on stool samples from patients whom have tested positive on FOBT.

-This technology acquisition is in line with our strategy to expand our product portfolio and strengthen our technology base. It is also in line with our ambition to become an industry leader in genetic cancer detection, says Christian Horn, CEO of NorDiag ASA.

The technical and strategic rationale will be presented in more detail at our third quarter interim result presentation in Bergen on 26 October and in Oslo on 27 October 2006.

For further information
Please see www.nordiag.no or contact CEO Christian Horn in NorDiag ASA, tel: +47 9016 3153

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. The company also has R&D programmes for new technologies and products within colorectal cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. NorDiag is listed on Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker NORD.