In a multicenter study, Exiqon, in collaboration with LEO Pharma, Bispebjerg
Hospital, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital and University of
Copenhagen, has identified promising diagnostic biomarkers of cutaneous T cell
lymphoma (CTCL) to distinguish between malignant and benign inflammation - i.e.
between CTCL and chronic diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and
eczema. The results have been published in the well-esteemed journal “Blood,
Journal of the American Society of Hematology”, which is available at:
http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/content/early/2011/08/23/blood-2011-06
-358382

The initial screening was conducted by use of Exiqon's proprietary microarray
platform. Subsequently the biomarker profile was transferred to Exiqon's
proprietary microRNA qPCR platform for validation. In a blinded test set
specificity and sensitivity of 97% and 93% respectively were obtained.
Currently, no test is available for unambiguous discrimination between early
malignancy and benign inflammation. Accurate diagnosis and early treatment are
crucial for successful treatment.

Senior Research Scientist Mads Røpke, LEO Pharma, estimates that the study
result could lead to more efficient diagnostic methods: “The discovery of this
microRNA classifier can form the basis of a potentially very important test
that will hugely simplify the diagnosis of dermatological diseases and separate
inflammatory conditions from early malignancy. Such a test can be of value for
both patients and clinicians”.

Also commenting on the study, VP Diagnostics, Adam Baker from Exiqon says:
“This program is very exciting and is a great demonstration of how Exiqon's
arrays can be applied to screen for promising biomarkers, which subsequently
can be transferred to our qPCR platform for sensitive identification of
biomarkers in skin biopsies”.

Exiqon and LEO Pharma intend to jointly examine the possibilities of developing
this biomarker profile into a companion diagnostic product for the accurate
diagnosis and differentiation between malignant and non-malignant skin
diseases. Such a companion diagnostic product could impact the diagnostic
capabilities in dermatological practice world-wide. The misclassification and
subsequent wrong treatment of cutaneous malignancies such as CTCL can have
life-threatening implications for patients.

The study is supported by The Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation.

Additional information:

Lars Kongsbak, President and CEO, Exiqon,
tel. +45 4566 0888 (cell: +45 4090 2101)
Christian Glue, Manager, Diagnostics and Pharma Alliances, Exiqon,
tel. +45 4565 0432 (cell: +45 4090 2159)

See the full press release in the attached PDF or at
www.exiqon.com/investor/portal.

PressRelease_August2011_Diagnostic potential microRNA skin disease.pdf