Contextual Genomics Names Michael Ball as Chief Executive Officer

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Contextual Genomics, a leading Canadian cancer genomics company, announced today that its Board of Directors has named Michael Ball as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ball was previously Global Vice President Commercial, Informatics, at Illumina, a market leader in the genomics industry. Prior to Illumina, Mr. Ball was the CEO of GenoLogics Life Sciences Software, a leading provider of informatics solutions for clinical genomics and precision medicine.

“Following a comprehensive global search, the Board believes that Michael is the right leader to take Contextual Genomics to the next stage of its growth,” said Chris Wagner, Chairman of Contextual Genomics’ Board of Directors. “With the ongoing commercial success of Contextual Genomics’ solid biopsy, FIND IT™, the recent release of its liquid biopsy, FOLLOW IT™, and the ongoing development of the advanced data and informatics platform that underpins our product offering, Contextual Genomics is at an exciting point in its development where it can rapidly increase the commercial adoption of its products and broaden its impact on improving cancer treatment. Michael’s unique mix of an in-depth understanding of the genomics and informatics space, and his extensive and impressive track record of success in growing companies in a highly competitive sector, make him the right candidate to lead Contextual Genomics to the next stage of its development. I along with the entire Board am confident in Michael’s ability to work alongside our team to realize the potential that Contextual Genomics and its products offer to cancer patients.”

Mr. Ball has more than 30 years of industry experience leading worldwide sales and business development teams, including over 15 years in the genomics and informatics space. Formerly, Mr. Ball was the CEO of GenoLogics Life Sciences Software, where he led the company from pre-revenue through to commercialization and sale to Illumina in 2015. At Illumina, Mr. Ball led the global commercial informatics team, guiding the development of its commercial strategy, the growth of the team and its integration with the other divisions of Illumina. Under his leadership, Illumina built a global presence in the informatics space. In addition to his commercial experience, Mr. Ball is also a director of the Canary Foundation, a Palo Alto based non-profit dedicated to the early detection of cancer.

“Some of the most exciting innovations in cancer care are occurring in the field of genomics, liquid biopsy and informatics. Contextual Genomics is uniquely positioned at the intersection of these disciplines,” said Michael Ball. “The foundation for success in any company is the quality of the team, and the depth of knowledge and talent within Contextual Genomics is extraordinary. I look forward to building upon Contextual Genomics’ current success, and bringing this unique solution to cancer patients around the globe.”

About Contextual Genomics (www.contextualgenomics.com):

Contextual Genomics develops cost-effective and clinically actionable molecular tests that guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These customized tests are offered by our partner laboratories around the world with Contextual Genomics conducting cloud-based bioinformatics services via a SaaS model. The collection of data via this robust network of partners and the use of machine-learning tools allows Contextual Genomics to improve patient care through improved clinical trial enrolment and new treatment algorithms. Contextual Genomics is founded and managed by global leaders in cancer medicine and bioinformatics, who have unparalleled expertise in cancer genomics and the clonal evolution of cancer.

About Contextual Genomics’ Products:

The FIND IT™ and FOLLOW IT™ cancer panels are multiplex, next- generation sequencing genomic assays designed for rapid deployment into labs around the world. Both FIND IT™ and FOLLOW IT™ evaluate the mutation status of tumour DNA (FIND IT™ for solid tumours; FOLLOW IT™ for cell-free circulating tumour DNA in plasma) at 146 well-characterized positions, identifying the somatic mutations that have the greatest potential to impact treatment decisions. QUALITY NEXUS™ is a quality control system embedded into all FIND IT™ and FOLLOW IT™ assays and into Contextual Genomics’ cloud-based analysis engine. FIND IT™ and FOLLOW IT™ physician reports provide clear information on test interpretation and linkages to current therapeutic options.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

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