Response Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGDX) announced today that its
ResponseDX: Lung(TM) and ResponseDX: Colon(TM) tests are now available
to select medical institutions and practice groups through its
CLIA-registered laboratory. ResponseDX: Lung(TM) and ResponseDX:
Colon(TM) are PCR-based tests that help guide therapeutic treatment
decisions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and
colorectal cancer (CRC). The tests are in their initial launch phase
and are available only to pre-qualified institutions at this time.
"ResponseDX: Lung(TM) and ResponseDX: Colon(TM) tests offer
clinicians--and ultimately patients--a comprehensive view of the
genetic factors that relate to a patient´s cancer therapies," said
Kathy Danenberg, CEO and President of Response Genetics, Inc. "In this
initial launch, we´ll continue to gather information from our
participating clinical partners to further develop and expand our
products and services."
During this initial launch, Response Genetics, Inc. will gather
additional data about the utility of these genetic tests, including
excision cross-complementing repair factor 1 (ERCC1) gene expression,
in the treatment of NSCLC and CRC; clinical practice activities such
as sample acquisition, logistics, patient and physician communication;
and the use of the test in normal clinical practice related to NSCLC
and CRC. Response Genetics, Inc. also offers several genetic tests, in
addition to ERCC1, that can use the same formalin-fixed
paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue sample, which eliminates the
need for additional tumor samples.
The complete genetic tests offered for patients with NSCLC or CRC
include:
ERCC1 Gene Expression
Available in ResponseDX: Lung(TM) and ResponseDX: Colon(TM): This
test measures ERCC1 gene expression, a molecular marker to identify
NSCLC and CRC patients who may and may not benefit from platinum-based
therapy.
KRAS Mutations
Available in ResponseDX: Lung(TM) and ResponseDX: Colon(TM): This
test determines whether or not the K-ras gene (KRAS) contains
mutations. A mutated KRAS is a very strong predictor of non-response
and no benefit from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib.
EGFR Amplification
Available in ResponseDX: Lung(TM): This test measures the number
of copies (gene amplification) of EGFR. A high number of gene copies
has been shown to correlate with increased response of NSCLC to the
EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib.
RRM1 Gene Expression
Available in ResponseDX: Lung(TM): This test measures RRM1 gene
expression, a molecular marker to identify NSCLC patients who may and
may not benefit from chemotherapy regimens that include gemcitabine.
TS Gene Expression
Available in ResponseDX: Colon(TM): This test determines the level
of gene expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) in tumor tissue. TS
expression is a predictor of response to fluoropyrimidine-based
chemotherapy.
Response Genetics, Inc. Adds Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Position
In addition to the initial ResponseDX: Lung(TM) and ResponseDX:
Colon(TM) launch, Response Genetics, Inc. announces the appointment of
Chris Emery as Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Chris will be
responsible for overall marketing strategy and sales of the company´s
suite of genetic tests to the healthcare community. Chris has more
than 10 years experience in the diagnostic and therapeutic industries,
and most recently he was the Director of Marketing for Insight
Imaging, a provider of diagnostic imaging services. Prior to Insight
Imaging, Chris was a National Sales Manager at US LABS, a cancer
diagnostic division of LabCorp.
Chris graduated from Pepperdine University with an Executive MBA
in 2006, and from the University of California, San Diego, with a BA
in Communication Studies in 1994.
Response Genetics, Inc. Annual Strategic Update
Response Genetics, Inc. will announce full year financial results
and host an annual strategic update conference call on Wednesday,
March 26. As the date approaches the Company will release the
conference call time, dial-in numbers, and webcast information.
About Response Genetics, Inc.
Response Genetics, Inc. ("RGI") (NASDAQ: RGDX) is engaged in the
research and development of pharmacogenomic cancer diagnostic tests
based on its proprietary and patented technologies. RGI´s technologies
enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes
derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin
embedded specimens. RGI currently generates revenue primarily from the
sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services
of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The
company was founded in 1999 and its principal headquarters are 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 Response Genetics,
Inc. (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 analyze cancer samples, 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, the
ability of the Company to make its ResponseDx:Lung(TM) and
ResponseDX:Colon(TM) tests, including its ERCC-1 molecular diagnostic
test available in the first quarter of 2008, or at all, and other
statements identified by words such as "projects", "may", "could",
"would", "should", "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates",
"intends", "plans" 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.
