CombiMatrix Names Trilochan Sahoo, M.D., Director of Cytogenetics

Company Continues to Strengthen Medical Team and Sales Force to Manage Growth


IRVINE, Calif., April 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CombiMatrix Corporation (Nasdaq:CBMX), a molecular diagnostics company specializing in DNA-based testing services for developmental disorders and cancer diagnostics, today announced that Trilochan Sahoo, M.D. FACMG, has recently joined the Company as Director of Cytogenetics. Dr. Sahoo will report to Wes Tyson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of CombiMatrix.

Dr. Sahoo, 50, has spent most of his career involved in the development, evaluation and implementation of microarray-based technologies, especially as used as an important diagnostic tool in clinical cytogenetics and genomics. Prior to coming to CombiMatrix, Dr. Sahoo was Senior Director, Clinical Cytogenetics, at the Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, located in San Juan Capistrano, California.

"We are very pleased with the high caliber of physician talent that we have added to the CombiMatrix team in the past few weeks," President and CEO Mark McDonough said. "Dr. Tyson and Dr. Sahoo are well-published individuals who bring outstanding expertise in developmental disorders and prenatal pathology to our already strong medical team. Now that we have built out our medical organization, we will continue to hire sales talent in the second quarter of 2014 and complete our 'post funding' expansion from 6 to 15 field sales representatives by end of June 2014, in order to capitalize on the outstanding opportunity in microarray-based prenatal diagnostics that is in front of us."

Dr. Sahoo has written more than 60 published research papers, most of them in the field of molecular cytogenetics, which is the study of hereditary diseases and abnormalities through cytology (the study of cells) and genetics (the science of heredity).

From 2008-2010, Dr. Sahoo was Laboratory Director for Signature Genomic Laboratories LLC, an array-based comparative genomic hybridization diagnostic laboratory located in Spokane, Washington. From 2005-2008, Dr. Sahoo was Assistant Director, Kleberg Cytogenetics Laboratory, Medical Genetics Laboratories at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Sahoo received a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from S.C.B. Medical College at Utkal University in Cuttack, India. He received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Christian Medical College & Hospital in Vellore, India, and received his certification from the American Board of Genetics in Clinical Cytogenetics while at the Baylor College of Medicine.

About CombiMatrix Corporation

CombiMatrix Corporation provides valuable molecular diagnostic solutions and comprehensive clinical support to foster the highest quality in patient care. CombiMatrix specializes in miscarriage analysis, prenatal testing and pediatric genetics, offering DNA‑based testing for the detection of genetic abnormalities beyond what can be identified through traditional methodologies. CombiMatrix performs genetic testing utilizing a variety of advanced cytogenomic techniques, including chromosomal microarray, standardized and customized fluorescence in situ hybridization ("FISH") and high-resolution karyotyping. CombiMatrix is dedicated to providing high-level clinical support for healthcare professionals in order to help them incorporate the results of complex genetic testing into patient-centered medical decision making. Additional information about CombiMatrix is available at www.combimatrix.com or by calling 1-800-710-0624.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press 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, speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "goal," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "objective," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully expand the base of our customers and strategic partners, add to the menu of our diagnostic tests in both of our primary markets, develop and introduce new tests and related reports, optimize the reimbursements received for our testing services, and increase operating margins by improving overall productivity and expanding sales volumes; our ability to successfully accelerate sales, allow access to samples earlier in the testing continuum, steadily increase the size of our customer rosters in both developmental medicine and oncology; our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force; rapid technological change in our markets; changes in demand for our future products; legislative, regulatory and competitive developments; general economic conditions; and various other factors. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports of Form 10-Q, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.



            

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