CombiMatrix Launches BAC HD Scan: Diagnostic for Over 125 Genetic Disorders Including Autism Spectrum Disorder
Tuesday April 8, 8:00 am ET
BAC HD Scan Test Has the Broadest Genome Coverage and is the Most Comprehensive Array Based Diagnostic Test Available
MUKILTEO, Wash., April 8, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- CombiMatrix Corporation (NasdaqGM:CBMX - News) 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: cmdiagnostics.com.
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. |
