REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genomic Health, Inc. today announced that its research scientists have developed a clinically useful method for whole genome expression analysis using standard tumor specimens that are routinely collected in clinical practice. Genomic Health is now able to access the entire transcriptome, or all of the RNA that is made by cells, in order to quantify the gene expression profile in a single assay using next generation DNA sequencing technology developed by Illumina. Results demonstrating the successful whole genome expression and mutation analysis from formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples were presented last week at the 11th Annual Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) meeting in Marco Island, Florida.
The study was designed to compare expression profiles between two estrogen receptor positive and estrogen receptor negative breast cancer FFPE specimens that were 7-8 years old. The RNA from these types of samples is highly fragmented and available in minute quantities, making it extremely difficult to conduct expression analysis on a genome-wide scale until now.
“These results suggest that it may soon be technically and economically feasible to use whole genome expression analysis in large clinical trials utilizing routine pathology specimens leading to real commercial applications that may ultimately benefit cancer patients,” said Joffre Baker, Chief Scientific Officer at Genomic Health. “With that goal in mind, we intend to accelerate our research and development efforts to move this new technology into clinical studies.”
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to; our ability to generate similar results in further studies, our ability to develop whole genome expression analysis for routine clinical study; the belief that whole genome expression may accelerate clinical discovery and validation of advanced diagnosticst or result in commercial applications; the proposed timing of such studies and results; and the company’s ability to accelerate its research and development efforts to move whole genome expression technology into clinical studies. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risks and uncertainties associated with the regulation of our tests; the applicability of clinical study results to actual outcomes; the risks and potential delays associated with such studies; and the other risks set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Genomic Health disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Investors, Brad Cole, +1-650-569-2281,
investors@genomichealth.com, or Media, Emily Faucette, +1-650-569-2824,
media@genomichealth.com, both of Genomic Health
Web site: http://www.genomichealth.com/
