STUDIES PRESENTED AT ACC ANNUAL MEETING FURTHER VALIDATE THE PLAC(R) TEST, THE TEST FOR LP-PLA2, A CARDIOVASCULAR-SPECIFIC BIOMARKER

Atlanta, GA - March 14, 2006 - In a number of studies being presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session, researchers further validate the PLAC® Test, a test that measures Lp-PLA2, in a variety of important applications including novel data showing that niacin lowers levels of Lp-PLA2.

"The data that will be presented this week continue to add to the evidence supporting Lp-PLA2 as a cardiovascular-specific biomarker useful for risk stratification and implicated in the formation of vulnerable, rupture-prone plaque. While we previously knew that statins reduce levels of Lp-PLA2, we now have the first data showing that niacin also reduces Lp-PLA2 levels," said Richard B. Lanman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, diaDexus.

All the studies used the PLAC(R) test to measure levels of Lp-PLA2. The PLAC test has been cleared by the FDA to assess risk for ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease.

Key studies to be presented at the ACC this week are as follows:

Poster Presentations The following poster presentations will be held in the Georgia World Congress Center, Hall B1

Sunday, March 12, 2006
Poster Presentation #933-162
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Presenter: Eric H. Yang

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 T403C Genetic Polymorphism is Associated with Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction

Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Poster Presentation #1000-160
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Eric H. Yang

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 is an Independent Marker for Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction in Humans

Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Poster Presentation #1000-170
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Kasey C. Vickers

Quantitation and Distribution of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Atherosclerotic Lesions of Carotid Endarterectomy Tissues

Tuesday, March 14, 2006


The Addition of Niacin to Statin Therapy Produces an Atheroprotective Shift in Lipoprotein Subclasses and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Well-Controlled Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol

Abstract Oral Contributions The following abstracts will be presented in the Georgia World Congress Center, Room B314

Tuesday, March 14, 2006


The Reduction of Inflammatory Biomarkers by Statin, Fibrate, and Combination Therapy Among Diabetic Patients With Mixed Dyslipidemia: The DIACOR Study

Tuesday, March 14, 2006


Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From the RRI-CKD Study

About diaDexus
diaDexus, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel, patent-protected diagnostic products with high clinical value. The PLAC® test, developed by diaDexus, Inc., is a blood test cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to aid in the prediction of an individual's risk for a coronary or ischemic stroke event, in conjunction with clinical evaluation and patient risk assessment.

For more information, visit www.plactest.com or www.diaDexus.com