MUKILTEO, Wash., Jan. 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- CombiMatrix Corporation (Nasdaq:CBMX) announced today that a number of recent, peer-reviewed scientific publications (Christian et al., 2007, Hum. Mol. Genet.), including today's in The New England Journal Of Medicine (Daly et al., 2008, NEJM) confirm the validity and importance of ATScan(tm) 1.0, CBMX's array based test for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These published studies clearly implicate specific genomic imbalances with causative association in Autism, and the ATScan tests for these and other specific genomic imbalances. ATScan(tm) 1.0, which was launched in December 2007, is built upon CombiMatrix's clinically validated genomic array platform and is currently available to physicians and patients. We encourage physicians and patients to contact us at 949-753-0624 for more information.
In the New England Journal of Medicine publication, researchers with the Autism Consortium, led by Dr. Daly, discovered that duplication or deletion of a region on chromosome 16p11.2 is highly associated with a subset of ASD patients. This genetic anomaly is specifically tested by ATScan(tm) 1.0. In a press release issued by the Autism Consortium, it was noted that, "The discovery of de novo gene deletions and of duplications has immediate clinical implications. Chromosome microarray tests, which have recently become available for clinical use, can detect the deletion and duplication in diagnosed patients and their parents. These tests can provide clinicians with important information on the risk of recurrence for subsequent pregnancies, a concern for many parents." CombiMatrix's ATScan(tm) is currently the most comprehensive array based test for autism.
Dr. Mansoor Mohammed, President and CEO of CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics, the lab that runs ATScan(tm) for patients, noted that, "Our team is incredibly proud of the rapid manner in which we can convert high caliber clinical research into high caliber clinical diagnostics. We have historically been at the very forefront of array CGH innovation and we remain committed to providing the industry's most relevant, responsible and affordable genomic microarray-based diagnostic tests." Dr. Mohammed further noted that, "The ATScan test is a practical, affordable and clinically validated test for patients. The cost of this test is also reimbursed by most health insurance providers. In addition, to ensure that uninsured patients or out-of-pocket payment considerations are not obstacles for this revolutionary test, CMDX has the most cost-effective pricing policies in the industry."
"Though our current test, ATScan 1.0 is the most comprehensive, objective test for autism, it is only the beginning. Other advanced studies identifying the genetic underpinnings of ASD are ongoing, and as they are published, we hope to clinically and medically validate the information and upgrade our test rapidly. Our technology enables such rapid evolution and improvement of tests to the benefit of patients," stated Dr. Amit Kumar, President and CEO of CombiMatrix.
The following link will provide more information on today's publication in the New England Journal of Medicine: http://www.autismconsortium.org/news/research-identifies-new-chromosome-abnormality-strongly-associated-with.html
ABOUT COMBIMATRIX CORPORATION
CombiMatrix Corporation is a diversified biotechnology company that develops and sells proprietary technologies, products and services in the areas of drug development, genetic analysis, molecular diagnostics, nanotechnology research, defense and homeland security, as well as other potential markets where our products and services could be utilized. The technologies we have developed include methods to produce DNA arrays for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. These technologies have a wide range of potential applications in the areas of genomics, proteomics, biosensors, drug discovery, drug development, diagnostics, combinatorial chemistry, material sciences and nanotechnology.
Additional information about CombiMatrix Corporation is available at www.combimatrix.com.
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This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the recent economic slowdown affecting technology companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form S-1, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.