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Esoterix Expands Exclusive Testing Rights for SHOX Gene Testing

18 October 2005

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Esoterix, a subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) (NYSE: LH) announced today that it has expanded its exclusive rights for SHOX diagnostic testing services to include the European Union. The test, SHOX-DNA-DX(R), provides physicians with the ability to diagnose the reason for lack of growth in some short-stature children who were previously classified as having idiopathic short stature.

Discovered in 1997, SHOX is an acronym for the Short Stature Homeobox-containing gene, which is located on the short arm of the X and Y chromosomes. Deficiency of one copy of the SHOX gene is believed to be the cause of short stature in Turner syndrome. In addition, research has shown that SHOX gene defects are present in the majority of individuals with Leri-Weill syndrome and in some children previously classified as having idiopathic short stature. SHOX deficiency may manifest as growth retardation, in utero or during childhood, and may also be associated with other skeletal changes. These additional skeletal features are variable ranging from subtle changes to the more obvious shortening and bowing of the forearm and Madelung deformity (bayonet-like deformity of the wrist). SHOX deficiency affects approximately one in 1000 to 2000 children or approximately two to four in 100 children with short stature. The diagnosis of SHOX deficiency will allow the physician to understand the cause of short stature in the patient and will alert him to monitor possible skeletal abnormalities; furthermore, it will be of great value in genetic counseling and treatment considerations.

SHOX-DNA-DX(R) is the first and only test commercially available for diagnosing SHOX deficiency. SHOX-DNA-DX(R) was developed by Esoterix in 2000 under an exclusive North American sublicense from Eli Lilly and Company.

About Esoterix

Esoterix is a leading laboratory services company focused on high science, superior customer service, and innovative new products. Esoterix offers approximately 2,500 assays and profiles through its centers of excellence in the United States and Western Europe. Esoterix's extensive client base includes hospitals, physicians, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, reference laboratories, and managed care organizations. To learn more about our growing organization, visit our web site at: www.Esoterix.com. Esoterix is a subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) (NYSE: LH).

SOURCE  Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
    -0-                             10/18/2005
    /CONTACT:  Scott Fleming of Laboratory Corporation of America
Holdings, +1-336-436-4879/
    /Web site:  http://www.labcorp.com
                http://www.Esoterix.com /
    (LH)

CO:  Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings; Esoterix; SHOX-DNA-DX;
     Short Stature Homeobox-containing gene; Turner syndrome; Leri-Weill
     syndrome; Eli Lilly and Company
ST:  Texas
IN:  HEA MTC BIO
SU:  TRI

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6245 10/18/2005 15:42 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com