APPY

On 6/30/09, AspenBio Pharma (NASDAQ:APPY) ($2.37) announced a 510(k) submission to the FDA for its AppyScore Test, which represents the first blood-based test designed as an aid in the diagnosis of human appendicitis with the proposed indication of use: AppyScore is an ELISA test system that is used to quantitatively measure S100A8/A9 heterodimer complex in blood. It is an in vitro diagnostic device that is intended to be used as an adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in conjunction with additional diagnostic modalities (such as clinical exam, basic lab testing, imaging) in patients with abdominal pain that is suspicious for acute appendicitis. This filing advances the Company's commercialization plan for AppyScore, which involves initially filing the 510(k) based on the ELISA test format.

Upon receiving market clearance for this device, the company plans to use the ELISA device as a predicate for a rapid assay device that includes a reader instrument. AspenBio plans to begin initial hospital testing of the rapid assay device in late 2009. Assuming the company receives FDA clearance of the AppyScore ELISA test and development work is completed, clinical trials of the rapid assay are planned to begin in early 2010. These follow-on trials will be designed to support a 510(k) submission for this rapid assay platform using the ELISA test as a predicate. The rapid assay system represents the format that APPY plans to ultimately commercialize.