Sequenom And CombiMatrix Announce Collaboration Agreement To Market Chromosomal Microarray Analysis For Prenatal Testing

SAN DIEGO and IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM), a life sciences company providing innovative diagnostic testing and genetic analysis solutions, and CombiMatrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CBMX), a molecular diagnostics laboratory performing DNA-based testing services for developmental disorders and cancer, today jointly announced that the Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine LLC (Sequenom CMM) and CombiMatrix have entered into a collaboration agreement to market chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) testing services to broaden and confirm the results of noninvasive, prenatal testing (NIPT) to physicians and their patients.

Under the agreement, the two laboratories will collaboratively use their respective marketing channels and sales forces to promote the use of NIPT and CMA and work together to provide technical training to physicians and counseling, education and support services to physicians and their patients. The two companies plan to provide, when clinically appropriate, a comprehensive test result report for ordering physicians.

Sequenom is a global leader in the NIPT market, and Sequenom CMM, its wholly owned subsidiary laboratory, developed the MaterniT21^TM PLUS laboratory-developed test (LDT), a widely-ordered, noninvasive prenatal testing service for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. CombiMatrix is one of the few independent laboratories that specialize in CMA, the primary genetic test to evaluate newborns with birth defects that is now being more widely used for prenatal testing.

"The MaterniT21 PLUS test is the premier, noninvasive prenatal test on the market today, and for an important group of patients a chromosomal microarray test can be a significant adjunct for a comprehensive prenatal analysis," said Bill Welch, President and COO of Sequenom, Inc. "CombiMatrix specializes in CMA and their technology helps further expand our product offering in the growing prenatal genetic testing marketplace."

"The collaboration with Sequenom CMM is a significant validation of the rapidly expanding acceptance of CMA as a standard of prenatal care as well as an endorsement of the services CombiMatrix provides," noted CombiMatrix CEO Mark McDonough.

"We are focused on establishing CombiMatrix as the premier specialty laboratory for chromosomal microarray analysis for prenatal testing," McDonough said. "The fact that Sequenom CMM has joined forces with us and selected us for this collaborative testing relationship demonstrates that we have made great strides in reaching our goal."  

The MaterniT21 PLUS test analyzes the relative amount of 21, 18, 13, as well as X and Y chromosomal material in cell-free DNA.  The test is intended for use in pregnant women at increased risk for fetal aneuploidy and can be used as early as 10 weeks' gestation. Estimates suggest there are about 750,000 pregnancies at increased risk for fetal aneuploidy each year in the United States.  The MaterniT21 PLUS test is available exclusively through the Sequenom CMM as a testing service provided to physicians.  To learn more about the test, please visit www.Sequenomcmm.com.

About Sequenom
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM) is a life sciences company committed to improving healthcare through revolutionary genetic analysis solutions. Sequenom develops innovative technology, products and diagnostic tests that target and serve discovery and clinical research, and molecular diagnostics markets. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Sequenom maintains a Web site at http://www.sequenom.com to which Sequenom regularly posts copies of its press releases as well as additional information about Sequenom. Interested persons can subscribe on the Sequenom Web site to email alerts or RSS feeds that are sent automatically when Sequenom issues press releases, files its reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission or posts certain other information to the Web site.

About Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine
Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine (Sequenom CMM^®) is a CAP accredited and CLIA-certified molecular diagnostics reference laboratory currently with three locations dedicated to the development and commercialization of laboratory developed tests for prenatal and eye conditions and diseases.  Utilizing innovative proprietary technologies, Sequenom CMM provides test results that can be used by health care professionals in managing patient care. Testing services are available only upon request by physicians. Sequenom CMM works closely with key opinion leaders and experts in obstetrics, retinal care and genetics. Sequenom CMM scientists use a variety of sophisticated and cutting-edge methodologies in the development and validation of tests. Sequenom CMM is changing the landscape in genetic diagnostics. Visit http://www.sequenomcmm.com for more information on laboratory testing services.

SEQUENOM^®, MaterniT21™ and MaterniT21™ PLUS are trademarks of Sequenom, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

About CombiMatrix
CombiMatrix Corporation provides valuable molecular diagnostic solutions and comprehensive clinical support for the highest quality of care — specializing in miscarriage analysis, prenatal and pediatric healthcare. CombiMatrix offers comprehensive testing services for the detection of genetic abnormalities at the DNA level, beyond what can be identified through traditional methodologies. The Company performs genetic testing utilizing advanced technologies, including microarray, FISH, PCR and G-Band chromosome analyses. Additional information about CombiMatrix is available at www.combimatrix.com or by calling 1-800-710-0624.

Sequenom Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the Company's expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the risks and uncertainties associated with market demand for and acceptance and use of technology and tests such as the MaterniT21 PLUS test and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) testing services, separately or in combination, reliance upon the collaborative efforts of other parties including without limitation CombiMatrix, the Company or third parties obtaining or maintaining regulatory approvals that impact the Company's business, government regulation particularly with respect to diagnostic products and laboratory developed tests, the Company's ability to develop and commercialize technologies and products, particularly new technologies such as noninvasive prenatal diagnostics, laboratory developed tests, and genetic analysis platforms, the Company's financial position, the Company's ability to manage its existing cash resources or raise additional cash resources, competition, intellectual property protection and intellectual property rights of others, litigation involving the Company, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that may change and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.

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SOURCE Sequenom, Inc.