Results from AspenBio Pharma's (NASDAQ: APPY) recently completed 503-patient pilot study of AppyScore™ will be presented from the podium at the upcoming annual scientific meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) being held May 9-12, 2012 in Chicago.

The AppyScore clinical study included pediatric and adolescent patients, ages 2-20, with symptoms suspicious for acute appendicitis who were evaluated at 11 hospital sites across the country. Results for the AppyScore test showed a negative predictive value of 97% and sensitivity of 97% and the study suggests that approximately one-third of patients were referred for CT scans unnecessarily, as these patients did not have acute appendicitis. A single abdominal CT scan exposes patients to a radiation dose equivalent to 100 to 800 chest x-rays, according to a February 2010 report released by the FDA, "Initiative to Reduce Unnecessary Radiation Exposure from Medical Imaging." Abdominal pain is the number one reason for hospital emergency department visits, and appendectomy is a major reason for emergency abdominal surgery.

"The use of AppyScore has the potential to reduce the number of costly abdominal CT scans and associated exposure to harmful radiation," said Stephen T. Lundy, president and CEO of AspenBio Pharma. "In addition, radiology procedures can result in significant wait times and patient backlog in hospital emergency rooms. These factors have created an unmet clinical need for a quick blood test that can provide doctors with a high level of confidence that low-risk patients may be conservatively managed, and potentially not require CT scans in the workup for possible appendicitis.

"An AppyScore pivotal clinical trial is planned for later this year, which is planned to be followed by the submission of results to the FDA seeking market clearance," added Mr. Lundy. "We also are advancing plans to certify AppyScore with the CE mark later in 2012, required for the potential sale and distribution of AppyScore in regions of Europe."

AppyScore is a multi-marker blood-based test panel consisting of the company's patented MRP 8/14 biomarker and C-reactive protein, along with white blood cell count. AppyScore is designed to aid emergency physicians in the identification of children and adolescents at low risk when acute appendicitis is suspected due to abdominal pain. The AppyScore test is in development and not yet approved for use.

In the U.S., approximately 9 million people annually enter hospital emergency rooms with abdominal pain. Currently, CT scanning is frequently used for patients suspicious for appendicitis due to the lack of other more definitive tools. However, CT scans take time, are expensive, and published studies have reported increased concern among clinicians about the potential long-term harmful effects of CT radiation.

To see a video interview of a physician/clinical investigator from the recent AppyScore study please go to: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_htUWjsApOY&feature=youtu.be)

About AspenBio Pharma and AppyScore

AspenBio Pharma, Inc. is an emerging in vitro diagnostic company focused on obtaining FDA clearance for its lead product, AppyScore, which is a unique blood-based test in development designed to help physicians manage the large number of patients who enter emergency rooms every year complaining of abdominal pain, many suspected of having acute appendicitis. AppyScore is a test to aid in evaluating patients suspected of appendicitis based on its projected high sensitivity and negative predictive value. The AppyScore test is designed to aid in identifying those patients who are at low risk for appendicitis, allowing clinicians to take a more conservative approach to patient management. The current focus of AspenBio's effort is the use of AppyScore in children and adolescents suspicious for the disease as this population is at the highest risk for appendicitis as well having the highest risk of the long-term health effects associated with CT imaging. AppyScore could potentially decrease radiation exposure risk arising from the use of CT scans performed in triaging pediatric and adolescent patients with abdominal pain, as well as potentially reduce healthcare costs. The company has a large and unique repository of blood samples that may provide valuable data regarding the appendicitis condition and additional protein marker information associated with causes of abdominal pain, providing an important resource for product development. For more information, visit www.aspenbiopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" of AspenBio Pharma, Inc. ("AspenBio") as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that AspenBio believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made based on experience, expected future developments and other factors AspenBio believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of AspenBio. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including our ability to successfully complete required product development and modifications in a timely and cost effective manner, complete clinical trial activities for AppyScore required for FDA submission, obtain FDA clearance, cost effectively manufacture and generate revenues from AppyScore and other new products, execute agreements required to successfully advance the company's objectives, retain the management team to advance the products, overcome adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory environment, obtain and enforce intellectual property rights, and realize value of intangible assets. Furthermore, AspenBio does not intend (and is not obligated) to update publicly any forward-looking statements. The contents of this press release should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors contained in AspenBio's recent filings with the SEC, including its Form S-1 filed on April 12, 2012.

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