Atossa Genetics Announces Launch of ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM) for Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Dec 6, 2011) - Atossa Genetics, Inc., a health care company developing and commercializing a comprehensive set of innovative, proprietary breast health evaluation products and services, today announced that it has begun setting up Field Experience Sites in select markets for its new ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM) for detection of circulating breast tumor cells (CTCs) in women.

"Finding circulating breast tumor cells before metastatic disease is clinically apparent affords early treatment options that can help improve long-term survival," stated Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., FCAP. "The ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM) is the only CLIA-certified circulating breast tumor cell test available today that identifies mRNA expression levels for estrogen receptors (ER) progesterone receptors (PR), and HER-2 antigen in a single blood draw to help guide treatment selection by determining which of the most commonly used therapies may be effective for the individual patient. The ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM) can identify circulating tumor cells at the level of less than 5 cells/5 mL blood sample and can be used immediately after a woman begins breast cancer therapy or at the time of diagnosis or biopsy so that she and her healthcare provider can make better-informed decisions about effective treatment options. Analytical validation studies performed by Atossa Genetics demonstrated a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 98% at the 5 cancer cell/5 mL blood sample level (n=106)."

About the ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM)

The ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM) is highly sensitive, providing early warning about the presence of circulating breast cancer tumor cells in a simple 'liquid biopsy' blood specimen. The ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM) is the only CTC test that identifies mRNA expression levels for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HR-2 antigen to help guide treatment selection. Atossa expects to roll out the product nationally in 2012. For additional information on the ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test(SM), please visit http://nrlbh.com/testing-services/recurrence-monitoring.php or call 800-351-3902.

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc. is a privately held health care company that provides a comprehensive set of innovative breast health evaluation products and services that provide accurate and actionable results for personalized cancer prevention and breast health. Atossa has established the National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health, a specially equipped, CLIA-registered laboratory located in Seattle, Washington, that provides comprehensive test results to guide personalized breast cancer prevention and treatment solutions. Patients, health care providers, investors and others seeking information on Atossa and its products and services should visit www.atossagenetics.com.