Response Genetics Signs Agreement With Roche Diagnostics To Support Cancer Test Development

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 05 Feb 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today it has signed a nonexclusive license with Roche Diagnostics for the use of Response Genetics' patented PCR analysis to assess human epidermal growth factor type 2 (HER2) gene expression. The accurate measurement of HER2 gene expression can assist physicians with treatment decisions for patients with cancers in tissues such as breast.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with Roche to help make personalized medicine a reality for cancer patients," said Kathleen Danenberg, Response Genetics' president and CEO. "This agreement strengthens our long relationship with Roche and fulfills a promise we made during our initial public offering to license our intellectual property while protecting our intellectual capital freedom."

Results from a recent study presented at the 31st Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) found that women with HER2-positive gene expression have a three times higher risk of recurrence, even if the cancer is caught in the early stages.1 HER2 gene amplification has been shown to correlate with improved clinical outcome in response to certain cancer drugs, and its measurement by RT PCR was recently shown to correlate with analyses by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).2

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. ("RGI") (the "Company") (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. In addition to diagnostic testing services, RGI generates revenue 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 http://www.responsegenetics.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of RGI 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 expand its ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™ test availability, 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.

1 Rakkhit R, Broglio K, et al. In:Proceedings of the 31st Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS);2008 Dec 10-14; San Antonion (TX); Abstract No.701.

2 Press, M.F., Finn, R.S. et al. Clin Cancer Res 2008;14(23):7861-70.

Response Genetics, Inc.