RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX) (“CGI” or “The Company”), an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics, announced today the appointment of Rita Shaknovich, M.D., Ph.D. as Group Medical Director and Vice President of Hematopathology Services. In this role, Dr. Shaknovich will lead medical direction, clinical portfolio development and the overall quality of clinical operations in CGI’s New Jersey laboratory, while providing support, guidance and medical direction to projects and personnel in the Company’s North Carolina, India and China laboratories. Dr. Shaknovich will report directly to CGI’s CEO, Panna Sharma.
Dr. Shaknovich joins CGI with over 15 years of experience in both clinical and research capacities, including leading her own lab focused on epigenetic and genetic mechanisms of B-cell malignancies. Dr. Shaknovich’s near-term initiatives include taking charge of optimizing the Company’s infrastructure for maintaining the highest level of clinical quality and industry-leading genomic capabilities. She will also be working in concert with operational management in North Carolina and India to advance and integrate the medical direction and reporting required at those facilities to support the needs of both clinical and biopharma customers.
“Our team and many of our customers are very enthusiastic about Dr. Shaknovich joining CGI,” said Panna Sharma. “Her expertise at the vanguard of genomic research and clinical translation makes her uniquely suited to help CGI fulfill our mission and help further integrate our clinical and research efforts.”
Prior to joining CGI, Dr. Shaknovich was a physician-scientist operating a lab at Weill Cornell Medical College, where her work focused on mechanisms of gene regulation during normal B-cell development and epigenetic changes that contribute to neoplastic formation. Her research has been funded by such agencies as the National Institutes of Health, STARR Cancer Consortium, Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation (LLF) and Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF).
“At CGI, I hope to translate the latest scientific discoveries into improved cancer diagnosis and treatment. I am excited to join a group of talented and dedicated professionals,” said Dr. Shaknovich.
Dr. Shaknovich received her M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the Medical Scientist training program in Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. She completed her postdoctoral training in anatomic pathology specializing in hematopathology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She completed her residency training in anatomic pathology and fellowship in hematopathology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College.
About Cancer Genetics
Cancer Genetics Inc. is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics. Our tests target difficult to diagnose hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. They are designed to guide the prognosis and treatment of these cancers with the goal of improving outcomes for patients. We have established strong clinical research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute.
CGI also offers a comprehensive range of oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals and biopharmaceutical companies. Our state-of-the-art reference labs are CLIA certified and CAP accredited in the US and have licensure from several states including New York State.
Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for Cancer Genetics, Inc. products and services, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, risks of cancellation of customer contracts or discontinuance of trials, risks related to compliance with applicable regulations, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. CGI disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Media Contacts: Cancer Genetics, Inc. Marie-Agnes Patrone-Michellod, PhD. Tel: 201.528.9182 Email: marie.michellod@cgix.com
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