AUSTIN, Texas, October 31, 2017 – ASPiRA Labs, a Vermillion company (NASDAQ: VRML) and exclusive distributor of OVA1 (Multivariate Index Assay, or MIA), an ovarian cancer risk assessment test, today announced it has entered into an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana.

“ASPiRA Labs has increased in-network coverage for OVA1 with BCBS of Louisiana,” said Fred Ferrara, Chief Operating Officer of Vermillion, Inc. “The expanded agreement, coupled with our existing coverage, now covers more than 82% of Louisiana’s population. As demonstrated in a series of recent announcements, we are making considerable strides in expanding access to OVA1, the strongest performing multi-algorithm ovarian cancer risk assessment test, to millions of women in 2017.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana provides approximately 1.45 million lives with in-network coverage throughout the state. This BCBS plan is in addition to existing TriCare, Medicare, and Medicaid plans that have OVA1 covered in Louisiana.
Expanding managed care access and demonstrating the impact of OVA1 to each healthcare plan is the foundation of ASPiRA Labs’ market adoption strategy. The evolution of payer relationships – from positive medical policy to in-network agreements – will be an ongoing theme going forward. More than 97 million lives are contracted or have a positive policy determination for OVA1.

OVA1 studies have demonstrated a reduction in false negative results, indicating earlier and improved detection of ovarian cancer compared to the standard of care. Detecting ovarian cancer at an early stage leads to improved patient outcomes while reducing costs to the healthcare system. Multiple clinical studies showing OVA1 (MIA)'s strong performance over CA125 and ROMA with ovarian cancer.