Lineagen Presents Data Showing Clinical Utilization of FirstStepDx®, a New Model of Genetic Service Delivery, at the 2012 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lineagen, Inc., an innovative molecular diagnostics company focused on complex, genetically linked disorders, today presented clinical utilization data for Lineagen's FirstStepDx.  FirstStepDx is a comprehensive evaluation service that integrates highly advanced and comprehensive genetic testing for individuals with developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with personalized pre- and post-testing genetic counseling and industry leading reporting services.

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In a poster presentation titled, "Genetic Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Primary Care," Lineagen reported FirstStepDx clinical utilization data according to physician subspecialty, test outcomes and use of genetic counseling services.  The data shows that a broad range of pediatric specialties are ordering Lineagen's FirstStepDx genetic test.  In addition, of the first 940 patients and families who utilized the FirstStepDx test, over two-thirds of patients used the genetic counseling services offered through Lineagen as part of FirstStepDx integrated service package.

These and other data on FirstStepDx were presented at the 2012 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting being held in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Michael S. Paul, Ph.D., President and CEO of Lineagen, commented, "We are pleased to present this initial data that demonstrates growing adoption, utilization, and integration of FirstStepDx into clinical practice.  By providing a new method of delivering genetic services, we believe we can help transform diagnostic evaluation of individuals with DD, ID, and ASD, with the potential to significantly influence timely clinical management and targeted initiation of appropriate care."

Andy Peiffer, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of Utah and Lineagen's Director of Pediatric Genetics, stated, "FirstStepDx offers more information to aid clinicians in understanding the genetic etiology associated with a patient's developmental delay-related condition.  In many cases, this information can be critical in providing a more complete view to clinical management and intervention.  This information also is reflected in the extensive reporting offered through FirstStepDx to families, who can benefit greatly from gaining a more holistic perspective on the underlying condition that is being evaluated and treated."

About FirstStepDx

Lineagen's FirstStepDx service and related autism-risk screening services (www.m-chat.org) have been developed with the specific intention of helping physicians, patients, and families navigate the "odyssey" of diagnosing and evaluating children with a clinical diagnosis of developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) more efficiently. FirstStepDx includes personal genetic counseling, the most advanced chromosomal microarray clinically available, fragile X genetic testing, analysis by medical experts, and a detailed, personalized report created specifically for each individual's case.  FirstStepDx is specifically designed to help parents and physicians significantly shorten the time to clinical action, allowing access to proven clinical management and appropriate care as early as possible.

The FirstStepDx genetic test now is available as a fast and painless cheek swab (FirstStepDx Buccal), eliminating the need for a blood draw.  For more information about FirstStepDx, please call Lineagen at 888-888-OPEN (888-888-6736) or visit www.FirstStepDx.com.

About Lineagen

Lineagen, Inc. is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our mission is to accelerate and enhance the diagnostic evaluation of medical conditions so that the best possible outcomes can be achieved for patients and their families. Our first commercial offering, FirstStepDx, provides physicians with a fully integrated genetic testing, counseling, reporting, and developmental screening service to aid in the diagnostic evaluation of individuals with ASD or other forms of developmental delay. In addition to our deep commitment to ASD and developmental delay, we have ongoing scientific programs in the areas of multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

For additional information, please visit www.lineagen.com.

Contacts
Lineagen, Inc.
Michael S. Paul, Ph.D.
President & CEO
801-931-6200

Justin Jackson
Burns McClellan, on behalf of Lineagen
Tel: (212) 213-0006
[email protected]

SOURCE Lineagen, Inc.