Biodesix Announces New VeriStrat® Data to be Presented at the 2012 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology

BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Biodesix today announced  that VeriStrat results from two phase II advanced lung cancer trials will be presented at the upcoming 2012 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology.  The first study will be presented by Karen Reckamp, MD (City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center) and reports on the analysis of pre-treatment serum samples from a Phase II study evaluating erlotinib or erlotinib plus high-dose celecoxib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.  The second study will be presented by Tom Stinchcombe, MD (UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center) and reports on the analysis of pre-treatment serum samples taken from a Phase II study evaluating erlotinib, gemcitabine, and erlotinib plus gemcitabine in elderly advanced NSCLC patients.  The purpose of both studies was to determine the clinical utility of the blood-based test, VeriStrat, in selecting more beneficial treatment regimens for advanced NSCLC patients.  Both studies evaluated the ability of the test to identify a group of patients whose cancer had a slower progression of disease and longer overall survival when treated with erlotinib or alternative therapies, such as gemcitabine, gemcitabine plus erlotinib, and erlotinib plus high- dose celecoxib. 

VeriStrat is currently used by physicians to help them guide treatment decisions for patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  The test identifies patients who are likely to have good or poor survival outcomes following treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs), such as erlotinib and gefitinib.  VeriStrat has been evaluated retrospectively in several lung cancer trials, including the phase III registrational trial of erlotinib in advanced NSCLC.

The data will be presented during Oral Abstract Session I at the Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology on Thursday, September 6^th, 2012 from 3:00-5:00 PM CDT.

For more information about the symposium or the location of the presentation, visit www.thoracicsymposium.org.

About VeriStrat

VeriStrat is a serum proteomic test currently available for patients with advanced NSCLC.  The test identifies patients who are likely to have good or poor outcomes after treatment with EGFRIs.  Samples are processed in Biodesix' CLIA certified laboratory and results are typically reported within 72 hours of sample shipment.  VeriStrat has been validated in clinical studies with over 1500 patients.  For more information on VeriStrat or to order VeriStrat, visit www.VeriStratSupport.com or call the VeriStrat Support Hotline at 1-866-432-5930.

About Biodesix

Biodesix is a personalized medicine company focused on the development of diagnostic products that inform treatment decisions and improve patient care.  The Company's goal is to give physicians more information about the patient and their disease; understanding the clinically meaningful information contained within each patient's molecular profile leads to better care and better outcomes. The Company's unique approach is based on ProTS^®, proprietary technology which exploits the power of mass spectrometry and enables the discovery of specific molecular profiles. Biodesix collaborates with clinical investigators to address critical clinical questions, and partners with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to develop diagnostics to select patients most likely to benefit from novel therapies. For more information about Biodesix, please visit www.Biodesix.com.

This press release contains statements that are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, the Company's inability to further identify, develop and achieve commercial success for products and technologies; the risk that the Company's financial resources will be insufficient to meet the Company's business objectives; uncertainties relating to the regulatory approval process and changes in relationships with strategic partners. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Biodesix Inc.