RGDXQ Response Genetics Inc (CE)

Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer today announced the commercial availability of its expanded KRAS assay, a mutation detection test that provides broader coverage of KRAS mutations, including those in regions of the gene not previously examined. 

KRAS mutation status is used to predict whether or not a patient will respond to anti-EGFR therapy, and assessing KRAS status is recommended in the NCCN guidelines for colorectal cancer. Recently, additional mutations in the KRAS gene were discovered in global, multicenter, randomized Phase 3 studies.1,2 These studies showed that in addition to the well-studied mutations in exon 2 that predict for lack of response to anti-EGFR therapy, mutations in exon 3 and exon 4 may be important for anti-EGFR therapy selection.

"As a company known for its first-to-market innovation, we are pleased to introduce a test that detects more mutations in a gene not examined previously, allowing for a more thorough and comprehensive screening of colorectal cancer," said Thomas A. Bologna, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Response Genetics. "Identifying a broader range of KRAS mutations increases the potential for more targeted and appropriate treatment of colorectal cancer patients."

1. Peeters M, Oliner KS, Parker A, et al. Massively-parallel tumor multigene sequencing to evaluate response to panitumumab in a randomized phase III study of metastatic colorectal cancer. Clin Ca Res. 2013; 19:1902-1912.
2. Douillard, JY, Oliner, KS, Siena, S, et al. Panitumumab-FOLFOX4 treatment and RAS mutations in colorectal cancer. N Eng Med. 2013; 369: 1023-34.

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. (the "Company") is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic testing services for cancer. The Company's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information derived from tumor cells stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. The Company's principal customers include oncologists and pathologists. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sale of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The Company's headquarters is 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 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 provide clinical testing services to the medical community, to continue to strengthen and expand its sales force, to continue to build its digital pathology initiative, to attract and retain qualified management, to continue to strengthen marketing capabilities, to expand the suite of ResponseDX® products, to continue to provide clinical trial support to pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new collaborations with pharmaceutical clients, to enter into areas of companion diagnostics, to continue to execute on its business strategy and operations, to continue to analyze cancer samples and 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, and other statements identified by words such as "project," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" 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.

CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact:
         Peter Rahmer
         Trout Group
         646-378-2973
         
         Company Contact:
         Thomas A. Bologna
         Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
         323-224-3900