BOXBOROUGH, MA, June 19, 1997 -- Cytyc Corporation (NASDAQ:CYTC) today
announced a multi-year agreement with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:DGX), one of
the nation's largest providers of Pap smear testing, to offer Cytyc's ThinPrep®
Pap Test™ as a new cervical cancer screening technology. Quest Diagnostics will
introduce the ThinPrep Pap Test progressively throughout its network of laboratories
around the country beginning next month. Quest Diagnostics will continue to offer the
conventional Pap smear, which has been recognized as a valuable screening test responsible
for the early detection of cervical cancer and the reduction of mortality rate associated
with this disease.
The ThinPrep Pap Test uses a new proprietary technology that enhances the collection
and presentation of cervical samples and improves slide preparation. The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration approved the ThinPrep system for use in screening for cervical cancer
in May 1996. In November 1996, the FDA approved expanded claims that the ThinPrep Pap Test
is significantly more effective than the conventional Pap smear for the detection of
low-grade and more severe lesions in a variety of patient populations and significantly
improves specimen quality.
"Quest Diagnostics is committed to improving women's health by providing high
quality cervical cancer screening, including the conventional Pap smear and the ThinPrep
Pap Test, at an appropriate price," said Gregory Critchfield, MD, Senior Vice
President and Chief Medical and Science Officer for Quest Diagnostics. "Women and
their doctors have a choice in selecting the cervical screening method that best meets
their need."
"One challenge we face in introducing a new technology is reimbursement by third
party payors," said Dr. Critchfield. "In view of the value this new technology
brings and the additional costs, we will be working with Cytyc to negotiate with third
party payors for coverage of this new test for their members at an appropriate
price."
"We are delighted with Quest Diagnostics' decision to provide the ThinPrep
Pap Test," said Patrick J. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cytyc
Corporation. "Quest Diagnostics has a well-deserved reputation for quality and
innovation in clinical diagnostic services which we believe will be further enhanced by
their decision to offer the ThinPrep Pap Test."
Cytyc Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets the ThinPrep System for medical
diagnostic applications. The ThinPrep System consists of the ThinPrep 2000 Processor and
related reagents, filters, and other supplies. The ThinPrep Pap Test was cleared by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May of 1996, as a replacement for the conventional
Pap smear preparation. Currently over 400 laboratories in the United States utilize the
ThinPrep 2000 for use in the diagnosis of cancers including cancers of the cervix, lung,
bladder, and gastrointestinal tract and in preparation of fine needle aspiration of
thyroid and breast.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is one of the world's leading providers of
diagnostic testing, services and information, with regional laboratories located
throughout the United States. The wide variety of tests performed on human tissue and
fluids help doctors and hospitals diagnose, treat and monitor diseases and disease states.
In addition, Quest Diagnostics' Nichols Institute conducts research, produces test
kits and instruments, and specializes in esoteric testing using genetic screening and
other advanced technologies. Formerly known as Corning Clinical Laboratories Inc., Quest
Diagnostics was spun off to Corning Incorporated stockholders in a tax-free distribution
of shares on December 31, 1996.
Cytyc® and ThinPrep® are registered trademarks and ThinPrep Pap
Test™ is a trademark of Cytyc Corporation. Quest Diagnostics and its logo
are trade/servicemarks and Nichols Institute is a servicemark of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated.
FOR CYTYC INVESTORS:
Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are
cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical
statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding management's plans and
objectives for future operations, product plans and performance, potential savings to the
health care system, management's assessment of market factors, as well as statements
regarding the strategy and plans of the Company, constitute forward-looking statements
which involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks associated
with the Company's dependence on a single product, uncertainty of market acceptance and
additional cost, dependence on third-party reimbursement, limited marketing and sales
experience, and limited number of customers and lengthy sales cycle, as well as risks of
downturns in economic conditions generally, and in the health care industry specifically,
risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, and other risks
detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in its
1996 Form 10-K filed with the Commission.