Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: CombiMatrix Launches BAC HD Scan: Diagnostic for Over 125 Genetic Disorders Including Autism Spectrum Disorder

Home > Press > CombiMatrix Launches BAC HD Scan: Diagnostic for Over 125 Genetic Disorders Including Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract:
BAC HD Scan Test Has the Broadest Genome Coverage and is the Most Comprehensive Array Based Diagnostic Test Available

CombiMatrix Launches BAC HD Scan: Diagnostic for Over 125 Genetic Disorders Including Autism Spectrum Disorder

MUKILTEO, WA | Posted on April 8th, 2008

CombiMatrix Corporation (Nasdaq:CBMX) announced today that its subsidiary, Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (CMDX), has completed the clinical validation of and has launched the BAC HD Scan(tm) test, its highest density Constitutional Array Genetic Test to date. The test utilizes the company's Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) array technology, and is comprised of 2,437 unique validated loci obtained through the company's partnership with The Center of Applied Genomics (TCAG), in Toronto, Canada.

With this latest iteration of its Constitutional Array Genetic Test, the BAC HD Scan(tm) test, CMDX now offers the most comprehensive, high-density, clinically-validated BAC array test in the industry. The new test is designed to interrogate specific genes and genomic regions associated with over 125 known genetic disorders while enabling screening for unexpected abnormalities with an industry-best average resolution of 432 Kb across the entire genome. The BAC HD Scan(tm) test also provides the most comprehensive and highest-resolution probe content for the unique subtelomeric and pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes -- key areas often involved in the etiology of developmental disorders -- making it a powerful tool for challenging cases. The list of 125 disorders can be reviewed at the following link: www.cmdiagnostics.com/pdf/BACHDScan.pdf.

This array also incorporates the probe content of CombiMatrix's recently launched ATScan(tm) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While Autism is sometimes erroneously referred to as a single syndrome, it is in fact a spectrum of disorders. Moreover, ASD can be manifested simultaneously with other distinct childhood syndromes. Consequently, in diagnosing ASD, it is often prudent to rule out the complication of other secondary syndromes. The BAC HD Scan(tm) test simultaneously interrogates all of the known genomic markers currently associated with ASD as well as those associated with over 125 additional genetic disorders.

"One of the major advantages of our testing is that it enables the evaluation of thousands of genomic regions simultaneously while requiring no prior knowledge of what kind of abnormalities may be present in a patient -- essentially, it can act as a screen for genomic abnormalities. By targeting our newly added probe content -- our largest content increase to date -- to the areas most likely to be involved in clinically relevant genomic imbalances, we are further enhancing the test's ability to provide answers for even the most confounding cases," said Dr. Mercedes Gorre, VP of Scientific Affairs at CMDX. "By combining these new features with our existing coverage at known disorder regions, such as those associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the BAC HD Scan(tm) test is the most comprehensive high-density clinical BAC array test currently being offered by any commercial laboratory."

Dr. Mansoor Mohammed, President and CEO of CMDX noted, "With the launch of our BAC HD Scan(tm) test we have set a new standard in high resolution array testing appropriate for clinical diagnostics. We continue to leverage our partnership with the world renowned Centre of Applied Genomics in Toronto to facilitate the content enhancement of our suite of array-based diagnostic tests, and we continue to do so in a manner that is simply unrivaled in the industry. I am incredibly proud of our team and the fact that, in the last year alone, we have produced more high complexity genome-based tests across a broader range of disease states, than all other diagnostic companies combined," concluded Dr. Mohammed.

"With this transformative product, we continue to demonstrate our innovative capabilities and strategy, and meet our goal of at least one array based diagnostic product launch per quarter," stated Dr. Amit Kumar, President and CEO of CombiMatrix Corporation. "We continue to see increases in orders by physicians of our tests, and we expect this trend to continue with future product launches and expected publication of clinical studies. The launch of this test is especially underscored by recognition of the month of April as National Autism Awareness Month," concluded Dr. Kumar.

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About CombiMatrix Corporation
We are a diversified biotechnology business that develops proprietary technologies, products and services in the areas of drug development, genetic analysis, molecular diagnostics, nanotechnology research, defense and homeland security markets, as well as other potential markets where our products and services could be utilized. The technologies we have developed include a platform technology to rapidly produce customizable, in-situ synthesized, oligonucleotide arrays for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. This technology has a wide range of potential applications in the areas of genomics, proteomics, biosensors, drug discovery, drug development, diagnostics, combinatorial chemistry, material sciences and nanotechnology. Other technologies include proprietary molecular synthesis and screening methods for the discovery of potential new drugs. CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary located in Irvine, California, has developed capabilities of producing arrays that utilize bacterial artificial chromosomes, which also enable genetic analysis.

Additional information about CombiMatrix Corporation is available at www.combimatrix.com or by calling 1-800-985 CBMX (2269). Additional information about our laboratory CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics is available at www.cmdiagnostics.com or by calling 1-800-710-0624.

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

This news 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 and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the recent economic slowdown affecting technology companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Contacts:
CombiMatrix Corporation
Dr. Amit Kumar, President and Chief Executive Officer
(425) 493-2000
Fax (425) 493-2010

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