BANYAN WORKING WITH UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ON BLOOD TEST THAT DIAGNOSES BRAIN INJURY

Washington, Nov 22, 2005 - Rep. Cliff Stearns will tour Banyan Biomarkers in Alachua today at 2:00 p.m. to see firsthand the progress in developing a test that will benefit troops suffering from head injuries. "In cooperation with the University of Florida, Banyan is developing a non-invasive blood test that rapidly diagnoses the severity of traumatic brain injury," said Stearns. "For the past few years, I have worked to support this effort by helping to secure research funding from the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee."

This test examines proteins released into the bloodstream after a head injury to determine the extent of the damage. A laboratory test for traumatic brain injury could be tremendously beneficial to the timely diagnosis and treatment of combat casualties. Explained Stearns, "This technology is completely transferable to civilian medicine for such evaluations as an elderly person who falls or detecting 'shaken-baby' syndrome in a suspected case of child abuse."

Banyan Biomarkers is located at 12085 Research Drive, Suite 180, in Alachua, Florida. The phone number is 386-462-2481. Stearns also will be addressing the Gainesville Rotary Club, 2930 SW 13th Street, today at 12:00 p.m.