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Immunomedics Announces Canadian Approval of LeukoScan

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ -- January 19, 2005 -- Immunomedics, Inc. today announced that the Biologics and Genetics Therapies Directorate at the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada has approved the marketing and use of LeukoScan® (sulesomab) for the detection of osteomyelitis.

"We are pleased that the Canadian government has approved this important diagnostic product for imaging bone infection. The advantage of LeukoScan® is its ease of use and that it eliminates the multiple risks associated with the conventional white blood cell labeling method. Our distributor in Canada will be GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics (formerly Amersham Health)," remarked Cynthia L. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Osteomyelitis is commonly a disease of childhood but adults with lowered immunity and diabetes are also susceptible. Early diagnosis of infection in diabetic patients with foot ulcers is critical, since prompt treatment with antibiotics may decrease the need for amputation.

Nuclear Medicine imaging with LeukoScan® has been shown to be highly sensitive for detecting osteomyelitis in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, and may also be useful for monitoring the efficacy of antibiotic treatment. LeukoScan® works by preferentially binding to activated granulocytes in the blood stream and at the site of infection. Because more activated granulocytes are at the site of infection than in circulation or bone marrow, there is less non-specific activity. The product is sold through distributors in Australia, throughout Europe and the Middle East, with registrations pending in Argentina, India, and Israel.


SOURCE Immunomedics, Inc.

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