Response Genetics Combines Cost-Effective, Rapid Turnaround Time With Next Generation Sequencing in Novel Lung Testing Offering


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, today announced it has launched a new and innovative Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Profile that merges rapid turnaround on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline markers with next-generation sequencing (NGS). This new reflex, or sequential, testing program offers oncologists and pathologists a cost-effective way to utilize comprehensive cancer testing, including NGS, as a reflex-testing option for those patients who test negative for EGFR, ALK and ROS1, the biomarkers recommended by the NCCN.

In April, the Company announced a commercial agreement with the Knight Diagnostic Laboratories at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) for a proprietary next generation sequencing panel for lung cancer that provides full gene sequencing of the actionable genes for lung cancer. Response's unique offering combines the speed and accuracy of other technologies such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA expression to get an answer on NCCN guideline markers EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 within five to seven days and adds to it the ability to sequentially use NGS testing for a broader set of clinically relevant biomarkers when EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 are negative. Importantly, results are presented in clear and concise reports that give physicians easy to understand actionable information for patients. Response Genetics develops tests based on the needs and demands of patients and physicians to deliver technology agnostic solutions in the most accurate, expeditious, and cost-effective manner.

"We share the sense of urgency that lung cancer patients and physicians have for making an informed treatment decision, an urgency that is echoed by the NCCN guidelines advocating for testing EGFR, ALK and ROS1 within five to seven days, approximately half the time it would take to get the same results by NGS," said Thomas A. Bologna, Chairman and CEO of Response Genetics. "Our reflex program, in which patients who test negative for these markers go on to receive comprehensive lung profiling, enables us to improve upon the recommended turnaround time and then follow up with comprehensive testing for those patients who require additional testing.  Moreover, this offering further illustrates our patient-centric approach. Our goal is to provide the information needed to choose the optimal treatment plan for each non-small-cell lung cancer patient in the most rapid and cost-effective manner."

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. (the "Company") is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic testing services for cancer. The Company's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information derived from tumor cells stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. The Company's principal customers include oncologists and pathologists. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sale of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The Company's headquarters is 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 the Company 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 provide clinical testing services to the medical community, to continue to strengthen and expand its sales force, to continue to build its digital pathology initiative, to attract and retain qualified management, to continue to strengthen marketing capabilities, to expand the suite of ResponseDX® products, to continue to provide clinical trial support to pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new collaborations with pharmaceutical clients, to enter into areas of companion diagnostics, to continue to execute on its business strategy and operations, to continue to analyze cancer samples and 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, and other statements identified by words such as "project," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" 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.


            

Contact Data