Transgenomic, Inc. Enhances FAMILION® Genetic Test Offerings

OMAHA, Neb., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Transgenomic, Inc. (OTC/BB: TBIO) announced a significant enhancement to its FAMILION Brugada Syndrome (BrS) test panel at the 2011 Heart Rhythm Society meeting in San Francisco. The expanded panel includes analysis of 9 genes and broadens the test indication to include other J-wave syndromes, including Early Repolarization Syndrome.  

"The addition of two newly identified J-wave syndrome genes, KCND3 and KCNJ8, reflects Transgenomic's commitment to translating new genetic advances into clinical practice," said Benjamin Salisbury, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Genetics at Transgenomic. "The renaming of the FAMILION BrS Test to the FAMILION BrS/J-Wave Test acknowledges the growing understanding that Brugada Syndrome is part of a spectrum of disorders with similar clinical presentations and a shared genetic basis that have been collectively termed J-wave syndromes."

The introduction of a newly enhanced test for BrS and other J-wave syndromes marks the fourth significant test launched or expanded in the FAMILION family of genetic tests over the past 6 months.  The comprehensive and evolving menu of FAMILION genetic tests, as well as participation in primary research, demonstrates the Company's commitment to setting the standard for cardiac genetic testing and its support of the clinical community.

"We are excited to see the continued interest and growth in the FAMILION line of cardiac genetic tests," said Craig Tuttle, CEO of Transgenomic. "The integration of the FAMILION brand into the Transgenomic family has strengthened our outlook and continues to position the company for greater success in the future."

About the FAMILION Tests

The FAMILION family of tests detects genetic mutations that can cause cardiac channelopathies, cardiomyopathies, and other cardiopathies.  Cardiac channelopathies are rare, potentially lethal inherited heart conditions, including Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Short QT Syndrome (SQTS), Brugada Syndrome (BrS) and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT).  Cardiomyopathies are potentially lethal progressive diseases that affect the heart muscle including, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), Conduction Disease associated with DCM (CD-DCM), and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Other cardiopathies include Marfan Syndrome and familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections (Marfan/TAAD).

For patients suspected of having an inherited cardiac disease, genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis, provide valuable risk stratification information, guide treatment decisions, identify presymptomatic or silent carriers and better enable genetic counseling.

For more information about the FAMILION family of tests, please visit booth #1321 at 2011 Heart Rhythm Scientific Sessions or online at www.familion.com.

About Transgenomic

Transgenomic, Inc. (www.transgenomic.com) is a global biotechnology company specializing in high sensitivity genetic variation and mutation analysis, providing products and services in DNA mutation detection and discovery for clinical research, clinical molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics analyses. Product offerings include the WAVE Systems and associated consumables specifically designed for use in genetic variation detection and single- and double-strand DNA/RNA analysis and purification. With broad applicability to genetic research, over 1,500 systems have been installed in customers' labs in more than 50 countries. The SURVEYOR Mutation Detection Kits provide reagents and protocols for high sensitivity detection of mutations in DNA. HANABI automated chromosome harvesting systems improve laboratory productivity with consistent quality compared with manual methods for cytogenetic karyotyping and FISH analyses. Transgenomic Pharmacogenomics Services is a CRO for pharmacogenomic, translational research and clinical trials. The Transgenomic Molecular Laboratories specialize in molecular diagnostics for cardiology, neurology, mitochondrial disorders, oncology, hematology, molecular pathology and other inherited diseases. Transgenomic believes there is a significant opportunity to continue growing the demand for its molecular-based testing by leveraging core technologies, experience, and expertise in biomarker analysis. In addition, the company continues to seek out and evaluate new technologies and new tests to extend its offerings in molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics services.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" of Transgenomic within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those with respect to management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, including the ability of the Company to grow its involvement in the diagnostic products and services markets. The known risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting these forward-looking statements are described from time to time in Transgenomic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change in such factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to in such statements. Accordingly, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to all statements contained in this press release. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release and Transgenomic does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

SOURCE Transgenomic, Inc.