Bergen, 19 December 2006: NorDiag ASA has today signed a non-exclusive license agreement with the Wellcome Trust, which will allow NorDiag to incorporate an additional gene marker into its Genefec assay.

The Genefec assay is used for the early detection of colorectal cancer.

The agreement also allows for the possible inclusion of a genetic marker for lung cancer, and NorDiag is now initiating an international multi-centre clinical trial to investigate this opportunity.

The addition of a marker for the BRAF gene will further increase the sensitivity of NorDiag`s Genefec assay for detection of colorectal cancer. Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is key to ensure long- term survival while reducing treatment costs.

The already commercially available Genefec assay for colorectal cancer is a non-invasive test that uses fecal samples as the specimen. The test is a highly specific and easily automated, suitable for use both as a diagnostic test and in a cancer-screening environment.

Cancer associated mutations in BRAF were first discovered by researchers from the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. This project, funded by the Wellcome Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, seeks to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of cancer.

- Our Genefec assay already allows for detection of pre-malignant colorectal cancer, at a stage when the chances of successful treatment are high. The addition of this extra marker will further increase our assay`s sensitivity, making it an even better tool for both diagnostic purposes and for public screening programs. An important part of our strategy is to get access to important genetic markers to finalize the development of Genefec as a high performance genetic test. NorDiag is also developing a lung cancer test, and the possible inclusion of another genetic marker to this test is an additional benefit of this partnership, says Christian Horn CEO in NorDiag.

Both products will address major disease areas. Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the Western World, where colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths.

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

About The Wellcome Trust:
The Wellcome Trust is the largest independent charity in the UK and the second largest medical research charity in the world. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. Website at; www.wellcome.ac.uk

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. Website at; www.nordiag.no

About The Institute of Cancer Research:
The Institute of Cancer Research is Europe`s leading cancer research centre with expert scientists working on cutting edge research. It was founded in 1909 to carry out research into the causes of cancer and to develop new strategies for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. The Institute works in a unique partnership with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, forming the largest Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Europe. This relationship enables close daily contact with those on the frontline in the fight against cancer - the clinicians, the carers and most importantly, the patients. Website at: www.icr.ac.uk.