NEWS RELEASE

Contacts:
Tim O'Brien, O'Brien Communications, (voice) 412-854-8845
Lynn Banaszak Brusco , Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, (voice) 412-770-1353

PLSG Invests $100,000 in Applied Computational Technologies to Aid Radiation Treatment for Cancer Therapies

Pittsburgh , March 21, 2006 – Dr. Doros Platika, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse ( PLSG ), the private/public partnership putting the region's life sciences industry on a fast track for growth, today announced that PLSG has invested $100,000 in Applied Computational Technologies, LLC (AppCompTech). The company develops software that employs a patent-pending Particle Transport Simulation technology that will help improve radiation treatment planning for cancer therapy. The investment is provided under the PLSG 's Technology Development Fund (TDF) program.

AppCompTech has developed a product called ProACTive™, which is designed to improve radiation oncologists' planning capabilities, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced side effects.

“More than 1.4 million Americans are likely to be diagnosed this year with some form of cancer, and approximately 65 percent of those will receive some form of radiation therapy,” Jay McClatchey, Chief Executive Officer of AppCompTech said . “AppCompTech's approach adds to the sophistication with which radiation therapies can be applied, improving treatment and recovery rates, and reducing the negative effects of the treatment itself. AppCompTech's progress will be welcome news for cancer patients everywhere. ”

About the Technology Development Fund (TDF)

The Technology Development Fund is a competitive funding program designed to increase the commercialization potential of life science technologies developed by the region's scientists and entrepreneurs.  The intent is to provide financial support to verify the technical and commercial feasibility of early stage inventions that will accelerate and increase the likelihood that the technology will be successfully commercialized through a regional start-up company. These funds can be used in conjunction with or to leverage other early sources of funding.

About the PLSG

The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse is a public/private partnership, founded by the University of Pittsburgh , Carnegie Mellon University , UPMC Health System, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its regional foundation community. Together with private industry and advanced research and healthcare capabilities of our institutional partners, PLSG invests in and supports the growth of regional life sciences companies in the areas of: bioinformatics; bionanotechnology; diagnostics; medical devices; medical robotics; therapeutics; and tools and services.

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