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29 Jul 2008

CogState Forms Strategic Partnership with UBC

COGSTATE LTD. AND UNITED BIOSOURCE CORPORATION FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT IN CLINICAL RESEARCH

Driven by customer demand, market leaders align resources to build comprehensive service offering to standardize the administration, measurement and global implementation of cognitive testing in clinical trials

BETHESDA, MD - July 28, 2008. United BioSource Corporation (UBC) and CogState Ltd. are pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership to facilitate the use of cognitive testing within clinical trials for pharmaceutical and life sciences companies . Customers will be able to leverage CogState's scientific and software capabilities with UBC's global operations to support full scale clinical development programs.

Cognitive impairment is a defining feature of many psychiatric and neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, ADHD, depression and stroke. Consequently, improving cognition has become an important outcome for new treatment strategies in these conditions, increasing the need for sensitive measures, assays and analyses that can be used to guide decisions about cognition. Furthermore there is also a need for processes and systems to cost-effectively manage the use of cognitive assessments in multi-national clinical development programs.

Within this context, UBC and CogState have teamed up to advance the field of cognitive assessment in clinical trials through the provision of an integrated cognitive testing solution for use in multi-national Phase I through IV clinical trials. The comprehensive cognitive service solution provided by the partnership will provide new opportunities for sponsor companies seeking the global, operational depth of UBC coupled with the power of CogState's industry-leading cognitive testing expertise.

CogState has earned a solid reputation in scientific research for its standard and customized test batteries as well as reliable computerized testing systems and methods of analysis of cognitive data. It has proven itself as a leader in cognition testing and offers sponsor companies the most innovative and appropriate cognitive assessment strategies, including computerized testing, and traditional paper and pencil batteries such as the Neuropsychological Test Battery (NTB) developed by Dr John Harrison, Principal Scientist for CogState. CogState clinical trials systems also include real-time data reporting programs which provide sites with new opportunities for both immediate data read-out and data monitoring and quality review.

In response to the increasing focus on cognitive assessment within clinical trials, CogState sought out an established, global pharmaceutical services company with a proven methodology for ensuring data quality in clinical trials. "UBC's customized, hands-on approach to rater training, assessment and ongoing rater surveillance is a perfect fit with CogState's portfolio of evidence-based cognitive testing capabilities," said Brad O'Connor, CEO of CogState.

UBC's leading Ratings Services group is focused on standardizing the administration and scoring of clinically subjective outcome measures used as pivotal endpoints in clinical trials. Its data collection, data monitoring and training services are designed to reduce data variance and maximize inter-site reliability across countries. UBC has trained, certified and monitored more than 20,000 raters, testers and investigators in more than 60 countries encompassing over 400 protocols.

Catherine Spear, Senior Vice-President of UBC's Ratings Services group states, "UBC and CogState have demonstrated an unsurpassed commitment to ensuring measurement precision and data quality within clinical research. Our combined offering will provide customers with a comprehensive solution for cognitive testing that addresses both the operational and scientific challenges associated with clinical research. Sponsor companies will be better equipped to select the most appropriate cognitive tests; train, certify and support raters and testers administering the batteries; centrally monitor test data; and interpret test results. Ultimately, companies will be able to improve the timeliness, effectiveness and precision of their trials that include cognitive testing."

Enthusiasm for this new partnership is felt by the scientific leaders at both organizations. "We are excited about offering comprehensive global training and operational services from UBC to our customers and we look forward to supporting UBC customers with our innovative cognitive testing tools. The UBC global project delivery capabilities are unmatched in the pharmaceutical services industry. The partnership will allow CogState to more efficiently deliver training and site support, thereby further assuring the quality of data," said CogState Principal Scientist Paul Maruff, PhD.

David Miller, MD, a UBC Practice Leader with a specialty in dementia trials and other neurological disorders stated, "CogState's validated, evidence-based platform for cognitive testing together with UBC's proven training, certification and data monitoring methodology will provide sponsor companies with unparalleled support."

"The growing importance of cognition as a pivotal endpoint in clinical development has increased the need for scalable, evidence-based cognitive testing solutions," stated Professor Peter Snyder, a leading international researcher in Alzheimer's disease, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at Brown University and Scientific Consultant to CogState. "By seamlessly integrating science, technology and client service, the combination of UBC and CogState will provide pharmaceutical and life sciences companies with the most complete and integrated cognitive testing approach", added Professor Snyder.

CogState and UBC will remain independent legal entities and will maintain their respective names. Likewise, the executive management of will also remain the same for both companies. UBC and CogState will immediately begin to work together to support sponsor companies with the assessment of cognition in clinical trials.

CogState Ltd. is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and also has an office in the United States located in New Haven, CT. For more information, visit www.cogstate.com or call +61-3-9664-1300.

UBC is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with offices in the United States, Canada, Eastern and Western Europe and South America. For more information, visit www.unitedbiosource.com or call +1 866-458-1096.

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17 Apr 2008

A study using CogState sheds new light on ‘Chemofog’.

Women who have undergone chemotherapy often report problems with their memory and concentration levels. However, two new studies suggest that the stress of the diagnosis, rather than the chemotherapy itself, may be the cause of these problems.

Video featuring Dr. David Darby, Chief Medical Officer of CogState Ltd. discussing his findings at the 60th Annual AAN Meeting:

Click here for the full article from Science Daily

22 Nov 2007

ASX Release: CogState Signs Agreement for Phase IIb Schizophrenia Trial

Key points:

CogState tests will be used to objectively measure cognition as an endpoint in a Phase IIb Schizophrenia trial run by an international pharmaceutical company
Study to be run in multiple European and South American sites, in multiple languages
CogState was selected after a competitive tender process
The contract will generate gross revenue in excess of A$0.7m for CogState over the course of the trial (approx. 2 years)

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) announced today that it has signed an agreement with an international pharmaceutical company for the use of CogState's cognitive testing technology, and associated services, in a Phase IIb trial to be conducted at a large number of sites throughout Europe and South America. The trial will investigate the benefits of a new therapy for schizophrenia against a leading antipsychotic drug.

One of the key criteria for selection of cognitive service provider was the ability to manage a trial across a large number of sites, countries and languages. CogState's advanced, real time data management systems were viewed as capable of providing the high level of study site support and data monitoring & management required for an international, multicentre trial.

Mr Brad O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of CogState, said: "It is pleasing to see our customers acknowledging our cognitive test solution and data management systems as the best in the industry for collection, tracking and management of cognitive data in their trials. CogState's real time data management systems mean that we are well placed to manage the data collected in multi-centre studies, conducted anywhere in the world."

Mr O'Connor added: "This contract is the tenth contract since 1 July 2007. Including the contract announced today, the collective value of contracts signed since 1 July 2007 is A$2 million."

About CogState

CogState Ltd (ASX: CGS) specialises in the development and commercialisation of rapid, computerised tests of cognition (brain function). The tests are sold to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nutraceutical and functional food companies to quantify the effect of drugs or other interventions on human subjects participating in clinical trials.

Since sales into the clinical trials market began in 2004, CogState has secured agreements with organizations including Pfizer, Merck, Lundbeck, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Centres for Disease Control (USA), ALZA Corporation (a member of the Johnson and Johnson group), and Organon USA. CogState is currently expanding its existing activities in the US and European clinical trial markets.

For additional information:

Brad O'Connor
Chief Executive Officer
CogState Ltd.
Ph: 03 9664 1300 or 0411 888 347
boconnor@cogstate.com

Rebecca Piercy
Buchan Consulting
Ph: 02 9237 2800
Mob: 0422 916 422
rpiercy@bcg.com.au

21 Aug 2007

ASX Release: CogState Signs Agreement for Phase IV Trial with Pfizer

Key points:

Phase IV trial conducted by Pfizer throughout Europe will use CogState technology and services
Cognition, as measured by change in CogState score, is the primary endpoint for the trial

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) announced today that it has signed an agreement with Pfizer for the use of CogState's cognitive testing technology, and associated services, in a Phase IV trial to be conducted in more than 20 sites throughout Europe.

The trial will investigate the benefits of growth hormone replacement therapy in patients suffering from severe growth hormone deficiency after traumatic brain injury, and will focus on the potential effects on cognitive function.

The primary endpoint of the trial will be the change from baseline in CogState scores after 36 weeks.

Mr Brad O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of CogState, said: "It is pleasing to see our customers relying on our scientific expertise and technology solutions to answer primary study questions. We are particularly well suited for use in this trial because of our experience and scientific expertise with respect to brain injury. Further, with CogState's real time data management systems, we are well placed to manage the data collected in multi-centre studies, conducted anywhere in the world."

Mr O'Connor added: "Coming on the back of recent contracts with Merck, GalxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, this contract is particularly encouraging and indicates an increasing level of demand for CogState's technology and associated services."

About CogState

Since sales into the clinical trials market began in 2004, CogState has secured agreements with organisations including Pfizer, Merck, Centres for Disease Control (USA), ALZA Corporation (a member of the Johnson and Johnson group), Organon USA and GlaxoSmithKline. CogState is currently expanding its existing activities in the US clinical trial markets.

For additional information:

Brad O'Connor
Chief Executive Officer
CogState Ltd.
Ph: 03 9664 1300 or 0411 888 347
boconnor@cogstate.com

Rebecca Piercy
Buchan Consulting
Ph: 02 9237 2800
Mob: 0422 916 422
rpiercy@bcg.com.au

18 Jul 2007

ASX Release: CogState signs first agreement with AstraZeneca

Key points:

CogState technology to be used for the first time by AstraZeneca in a clinical trial
AstraZeneca is a global healthcare company

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) announced today that it has signed its first agreement with AstraZeneca for the use of CogState's cognitive testing technology, and associated services.

The agreement with AstraZeneca is consistent with CogState's business strategy to target leading pharmaceutical companies that have substantial central nervous system portfolios of drugs in development, which will require cognitive testing as part of the clinical trial. CogState currently has on-going contracts with companies such as Pfizer, Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co Inc. and Lundbeck A/S.

Mr Brad O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of CogState, said: "We are working with an increasing number of the leading global pharmaceutical companies that specialise in drug development for central nervous system indications. I am really pleased to see our hard work pay off as we add this new and important customer to our existing base."

About CogState

For additional information:

Brad O'Connor
Chief Executive Officer
CogState Ltd.
Ph: 03 9664 1300 or 0411 888 347
boconnor@cogstate.com

Rebecca Piercy
Buchan Consulting
Ph: 02 9237 2800
Mob: 0422 916 422
rpiercy@bcg.com.au

13 Jul 2007

ASX Release: CogState signs second agreement with GlaxoSmithKline

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) announced today that it is has signed a second contract with global research-driven pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline, for the use of CogState's cognitive testing technology and associated services in a clinical trial due to start this year.

Mr Brad O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of CogState, said: "CogState's continued revenue growth is dependent upon our ability to work with our pharmaceutical company customers on an on-going basis. We are extremely pleased to be announcing this contract with GlaxoSmithKline, especially on the back of the recent announcement regarding a second contract with Merck."

About CogState

For additional information:

Brad O'Connor
Chief Executive Officer
CogState Ltd.
Ph: 03 9664 1300 or 0411 888 347
boconnor@cogstate.com

Rebecca Piercy
Buchan Consulting
Ph: 02 9237 2800
Mob: 0422 916 422
rpiercy@bcg.com.au

09 Jul 2007

ASX Release: CogState signs second agreement with Merck

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) announced today that it is has signed a second contract with global research-driven pharmaceutical company, Merck & Co., Inc. for the use of CogState's cognitive testing technology and associated services in a clinical trial due to start this year.

Mr. Brad O'Connor, chief executive officer of CogState, said, "As one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, with an extensive CNS portfolio, Merck is a valued customer of CogState. This second contract is evidence of the strengthening relationship between the companies."

About CogState

For additional information:

Brad O'Connor
Chief Executive Officer CogState Ltd.
Ph: 03 9664 1300 or 0411 888 347
boconnor@cogstate.com

13 Jun 2007

CogState scientists give 3 poster presentations at 47th annual NCDEU Meeting

Three CogState scientists have been invited to make poster presentations at the annual New Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit (NCDEU) annual meeting held in Boca Raton, Florida, USA during June 11-14.

The NCDEU Meeting is a scientific conference that brings together academic researchers from multiple disciplines involved in clinical trials, investigators with the pharmaceutical industry, and representatives from NIMH/NIH and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address psychopharmacology, clinical trials methodology, and the broader areas of interventions and services research.

The meeting will address other timely issues relevant to clinical research in psychiatry, such as the training and development of clinical researchers, recruitment of research participants, and the ethics of clinical studies.

Now in its 47th year, the NCDEU meeting is considered to be a highlight by researchers in the field of mental health.

View Our Posters:

Please note: For copyright reasons, a password is needed to view these posters. Please contact us for the password.

01 Feb 2007

ASX Release: CogState signs its first agreement with Abbott

Key points:

CogState technology to be used for the first time by Abbott in a clinical trial
CogState's contracted future revenue exceeds A$2.1m
Abbott is a global healthcare company

CogState Ltd (ASX:CGS) announced today that it has signed its first agreement with Abbott for the use of CogState's cognitive testing technology and associated services, in a Phase I clinical trial.

Abbott is a global, broad-based healthcare company devoted to discovering new medicines, new technologies and new ways to manage health. Abbott has a substantial central nervous system portfolio of drugs in development.

CogState already has sales contracts with leading companies in the field of central nervous system drug development, including companies such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and Alza Corporation (part of Johnson & Johnson), whereby CogState's technology is used in their clinical trials.

Mr Brad O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of CogState, said: "CogState continues to be focussed on growing our customer base of pharmaceutical companies. This agreement represents another success for the company and is an excellent example of the hard work we have been putting into expanding sales in the US market."

Following today's announced agreement with Abbott, the total value of CogState's contracted future revenue exceeds A$2.1m. Contracted future revenues are revenue amounts to be recognised in coming periods, from signed agreements currently in place.

About CogState

For additional information:

Brad O'Connor
Chief Executive Officer
CogState Ltd.
Ph: 03 9664 1300 or 0411 888 347
boconnor@cogstate.com

Rebecca Piercy
Buchan Consulting
Ph: 02 9237 2800
Mob: 0422 916 422
rpiercy@bcg.com.au

30 Jan 2007

CogState Health to be used in a community screening project

Project Title: Community screening for very early dementia using medically supervised detection of cognitive decline.

Number of participants: Approximately 300.

A new research project will focus on a subject that is of concern to many people - the perception that their memory seems to be getting worse as they age.

While there is an increasing number of people with dementia, most people (especially younger people) who worry about their memory don't have dementia.

This research project will test the application of an inexpensive, widespread, validated population-based computerised cognitive screening technique, called CogHealth. The project offers an opportunity to members of the community aged 50 years of age or over to establish a cognitive baseline, and to then measure any changes every 3 months, over a one year period. Anyone who is detected to have significant memory problems will be offered more detailed assessment or told how to access it.

The study will be conducted by Associate Professor David Darby of the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne and Chief Medical Officer of CogState Ltd, and supported by Associate Professor Michael Woodward, Director, Aged and Residential Care Services, Austin Health and Alzheimer's Australia Vic.

The study uses the scientifically validated computerized test of memory and thinking called CogHealth which was developed in Melbourne and uses game-like playing card tasks independent of language to measure a person's speed and accuracy at baseline and then every 3 months over a year. The CogHealth test has been shown to detect such early changes in research volunteers where an individual's baseline is compared several times over 12 months, but is now to be field-tested in a community setting to determine whether a screening program is feasible and acceptable to persons with concerns about their memory and to their medical practitioners. If the study shows that CogHealth is a useful and practical screening method for detecting persons who will need more detailed medical evaluation, then this program will pave the way for wider scale population-based screening programs in time for imminent specific therapies for Alzheimer's Disease. Early detection coupled with early treatment has the potential to prevent the development of significant memory and thinking deterioration.

The study is now recruiting interested volunteers from the community to participate.

Persons are eligible if they are:

(i) at least 50 years of age;

(ii) able to travel to either Hawthorn or Heidelberg testing sites;

(iii) have no existing memory or thinking impairment;

(iv) can use a computer;

(v) have a current GP;

(vi) are willing to participate with at least 6 visits over a 12 month period, each visit being approximately 15-30 minutes.

Interested persons are invited to phone the ComScreen Study Registration Line 1300 MY MIND (1300 69 64 63).

To find out more about Alzheimer's Australia, Click Here.

16 Jan 2007

CogState issued US patent

CogState today announced that it has been issued a patent from the Unites States Patent & Trade Mark Office (US patent no. 7,163,513) for the key technology platform used in its computer-based tests of brain function. The patent term adjustment is 229 days.

As announced in July 2006, this patent broadly protects CogState's psychological testing method which randomises the nature and timing of the visual stimuli presented to a subject as well as the apparatus used in such tests. The patent also protects the company's unique approach to cross cultural and non language specific based testing which uses acultural visual stimuli.

This is the first US patent for CogState, which also holds a patent in Australia (patent number 2001275604), issued in April 2005.

View ASX Release.

08 Dec 2006

CogState ranks no. 12 in the 2006 Deloitte Technology Fast50.

The Deloitte Technology Fast50 is a program that recognises and profiles fast growing technology companies in Australia. Nominated companies are measured on revenue growth over a three year period, and must have had minimum revenue of $100k in the first year and $1m in the third year.

CogState has been eligible for the program for the last 2 years. In 2005, we were ranked 21st in Australia and this year we ranked 12th Nationally and 2nd in Victoria, after achieving 981% revenue growth over three years.

This result also places CogState near the top of the fastest growing companies in the wider Asia Pacific Region - the fastest growing region in the world.

CogState would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this result possible and also to congratulate the overall winner in the 2006 Deloitte Technology Fast50 - Unwired Group.

To read the full report, please click here.