GlobeNewswire Inc | Aug 3, 2020 04:05PM EDT

August 03, 2020

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exagen Inc.(Nasdaq: XGN),an organization dedicated to transforming the care continuum for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, announced today a collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City. This well-respected institution is the worlds leading academic medical center for autoimmune diseases and musculoskeletal health; for 28 consecutive years it has been among the top-ranked hospitals in the nation for rheumatology and orthopedics.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune clotting disorder which most commonly increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications as a result of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Complement cascade, which is part of the immune system, is involved in the development of aPL-related clinical problems. This proof-of-concept clinical study, led by Doruk Erkan, MD, MPH, rheumatologist at the Barbara Volcker Center for Women and Rheumatic Diseases at HSS, will investigate complement activation markers, and additional biomarkers, in different subgroups of aPL-positive patients.

Were pleased to be partnering with HSS. Exagen shares a common goal with HSS to advance the science of rheumatology through research, leading to the highest quality patient care and enhancing the quality of life for all, said Ron Rocca, President and CEO of Exagen.

For more information about this study, please contact Joann Vega at vegaj@hss.edu or call 212-774-2795.

AboutExagen Inc.

Exagenis dedicated to transforming the care continuum for patients suffering from debilitating and chronic autoimmune diseases by enabling timely differential diagnosis and optimizing therapeutic intervention.Exagenhas developed and is commercializing a portfolio of innovative testing products under its AVISE brand. Several of these products are based on our proprietary Cell-Bound Complement Activation Products (CB-CAPs), technology. CB-CAPs assess the activation of the complement system, a biological pathway implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Exagens goal is to enable rheumatologists to improve care for patients through the differential diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of complex autoimmune and autoimmune-related diseases, including SLE and rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. Exagens model of integrating testing products and therapeutics positionsExagento offer targeted solutions to rheumatologists and, ultimately, better serve patients. For more information, please visitwww.Exagen.com.

About HSS

HSS is the worlds leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the tenth consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2019-2020), and named a leader in pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report Best Childrens Hospitals list (2019-2020). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest complication and readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center four consecutive times. The global standard total knee replacement was developed at HSS in 1969. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Global Innovation Institute was formed in 2016 to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 130 countries. Through HSS Global Ventures, the institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally.www.hss.edu.

Forward Looking Statements

Exagencautions you that statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the companys current beliefs and expectations. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the proof-of-concept collaborative study and potential advancement of our science as it compares to complement activation and other biomarkers in different subgroups of patients with aPL. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation byExagenthat any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Exagens business, including, without limitation: the collaboration with HSS may not lead to discoveries that advance Exagens science or result in an ability to successfully develop and commercialize a new testing product; and other risks described in the companys prior press releases and the companys filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission(SEC), including under the heading Risk Factors in the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with theSEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, andExagenundertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Investors Westwicke Partners Mike CavanaughMike.Cavanaugh@westwicke.com 646.677.1838

Company Exagen Inc. Kamal Adawi, Chief Financial Officerkadawi@exagen.com 760.477.5514