Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today an agreement with NeoGenomics Laboratories, a clinical laboratory service provider of oncology focused genetic diagnostic tests, and the formation of its own sales team, as part of its sales strategy to offer its ResponseDX: Colon™ and ResponseDX: Lung™ tests nationwide. ResponseDX: Colon™ and ResponseDX: Lung™ are proprietary PCR-based tests in a panel, which include the analysis of KRAS mutation and serve to help physicians with therapeutic treatment decisions for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).
In addition to Response Genetics offering its ResponseDX™ tests through its own newly formed specialized sales team, and under the terms of the agreement, NeoGenomics will be the exclusive national clinical reference laboratory authorized to offer Response Genetics’ proprietary tests through their own proven national sales force. All tests will be performed through Response Genetics’ CLIA-certified laboratory.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with NeoGenomics to expand the availability of our ResponseDX™ tests to the national marketplace,” said Kathleen Danenberg, Response Genetics’ President and CEO. “Through the strength of the two companies’ sales forces, we will work together to introduce Response Genetics’ proprietary technologies to help make personalized medicine a reality for cancer patients.”
“Most agree that the future of clinical laboratory testing continues to move towards genomics-based technologies, such as those being pioneered by Response Genetics,” said Robert P. Gasparini, NeoGenomics’ President and Chief Scientific Officer. “We could not be more pleased than to have Response Genetics as a partner in this endeavor. We believe this combination of two leaders in molecular diagnostics will allow us to establish new accounts, differentiate our services, and increase our footprint in the expanding field of molecular cancer genetics.”
About ResponseDX Tests
Response Genetics developed PCR-based genetics tests-ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™-to help physicians with therapeutic treatment decisions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The proprietary ResponseDX panels include three key genes: ERCC1, TS and EGFR. These tests also include the analysis of K-ras gene (KRAS) mutations, which is a strong predictor of non-response and no benefit from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Response Genetics KRAS mutation analysis provides one of the fastest turn around times in the industry and accurate results on the smallest biopsies. The benefit for patients is that in many cases, no tissue samples other than the pre-treatment diagnostic biopsy will be required for the biomarker analysis. Using ResponseDX testing, clinicians may make better treatment decisions via a cost-effective panel approach utilizing additional genes beyond KRAS.
About NeoGenomics
NeoGenomics Laboratories (OTCBB:NGNM) is a high-complexity CLIA–certified clinical laboratory that specializes in cancer genetics diagnostic testing, the fastest growing segment of the laboratory industry. The company’s testing services include cytogenetics, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, morphology studies, anatomic pathology and molecular genetic testing. Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, NeoGenomics has labs in Nashville, TN, Irvine, CA and Fort Myers and services the needs of pathologists, oncologists, urologists, and hospitals throughout the United States. For additional information about NeoGenomics, visit http://www.neogenomics.org.
Interested parties can also access additional investor relations material from the American Microcap Institute at http://www.americanmicrocapinstitute.com/ngnm/ or from Hawk Associates at http://www.hawkassociates.com. An investment profile about NeoGenomics may be found at www.hawkassociates.com/clients/additional/index.cfm?client_id=10.
About Response Genetics
Response Genetics, Inc. (“RGI”) (the “Company”) (Nasdaq:RGDX) is engaged in the research and development of pharmacogenomic cancer diagnostic tests based on its proprietary and patented technologies. RGI's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition to diagnostic testing services, RGI generates revenue from the sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The Company was founded in 1999 and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.responsegenetics.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Notice
Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of RGI related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company to analyze cancer samples, the potential for using the results of this research to develop diagnostic tests for cancer, the usefulness of genetic information to tailor treatment to patients, the ability of the Company to expand its ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™ test availability, and other statements identified by words such as “projects,”“may,” “could,”“would,” “should,”“believes,” “expects,”“anticipates,” “estimates,”“intends,” “plans” or similar expressions.
These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Contacts:
Peter Rahmer, 415-392-3385 (Investor Relations)
or
Fleishman-Hillard
Barry
Sudbeck, 415-318-4261 (Media Relations)
