Contacts:

Sharon Tetlow diaDexus, Inc. (650) 246-6400

Krysta Walkowiak Wang Dorland Global Health Communications (415) 262-5211 Cell: (415) 517-2236 kwalkowiak@dorland.com

AHA Abstract Poster Session #3302/P9

LP-PLA2 AS AN INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OFCORONARY EVENTS IN MEN

Professor Wolfgang Koenig, MD Presents MONICA Study Data at 2003 AHA Scientific Session

South San Francisco, CA - November 10, 2003 - New data presented today at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions demonstrate that elevated levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) are independently associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in men with moderately elevated cholesterol. The study conducted by Professor Wolfgang Koenig, MD, Department of Internal Medicine II-Cardiology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany, is based on the MONICA-Augsburg Cohort.

Lp-PLA2 levels were measured in 934 apparently healthy men aged 45 to 64. Mean cholesterol levels in this group were approximately 245 mg/dL. Patients were considered at moderately increased risk for CHD. During the 14 year period, 97 men suffered a coronary event. Baseline levels of Lp-PLA2 were significantly higher in subjects who experienced an event in comparison with event-free subjects. Lp-PLA2 levels were measured using the PLAC™ test.

"This study reinforces the importance of looking beyond the traditional risk factors associated with heart disease," said Professor Koenig, "Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 identify high risk individuals before they have a heart attack."

"This data builds on previously reported studies, presented at this year's ACC meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, supporting the utility of the PLAC™ test to identify individuals at risk of a coronary event, independent of traditional risk factors," said Patrick Plewman, chief executive officer of diaDexus.

Data presented at the 2003 American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting show individuals with normal LDL and elevated levels of Lp-PLA2, are twice as likely to experience a coronary event as those individuals with normal levels of LDL cholesterol and Lp-PLA2.

As the leading cause of death in the United States, CHD accounts for one of every five deaths. Each year, more than 500,000 Americans die from CHD-associated events; about every 29 seconds an American will suffer a coronary event and about every minute, someone will die from one.

The PLAC™ test received FDA marketing clearance in July 2003. The PLAC™ test and testing for Lp-PLA2 are currently available through laboratories nationwide. For more information on the PLAC™ test visit www.plactest.com.

This study was supported by a grant from diaDexus, Inc.

About diaDexus
diaDexus, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company, based in South San Francisco, Calif., is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel, patent-protected diagnostic and therapeutic products with high clinical value. diaDexus utilizes genomics and bioinformatics to identify numerous disease-associated molecular targets. More information about the company may be found at www.diaDexus.com.