Amplistar shut down operations in late 2002. Formerly known as Elcatech Inc, Amplistar, Inc. is a post-genomics company focused on the identification of a new category of molecular targets-antibody targets-for the early detection and treatment of cancer. A spin off from Wake Forest, Amplistar has developed proprietary technologies to rapidly identify these uniquely specific antibody targets that the Company believes will revolutionize the early detection of cancer. More specifically, the technology has the power of detecting early-stage disease for any type of cancer-making the market potential very significant. Amplistar's mission is to discover and commercialize a portfolio of highly-differentiated, value-added and patent-protected cancer testing products. These novel molecular targets can also be used for the development of therapeutic vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, and the Company is working to enter into one or more collaborations to develop these drugs. Amplistar is on course to commence clinical trials of its first screening test (ovarian cancer) in early 2002, with a colon cancer screening test following over the next 12 months (other cancers are also being pursued). In addition, companies focusing on cancer therapies and vaccines have already approached the Company expressing interest in licensing the Company's proprietary cancer antibody targets
