Transgenomic, Inc. Presentations to Describe High-Sensitivity Detection of Cancer Biomarkers at the 2011 American Association for Cancer Research Meeting

OMAHA, Neb., April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Transgenomic, Inc. (OTC/BB: TBIO) announced today that its scientists have completed studies employing the company's high-sensitivity cancer mutation assays using two proprietary technologies, Ice COLD-PCR and BLOCker™-Sequencing.  Results from these studies will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in Orlando, Florida, April 2-6, 2011.

"BLOCker-Sequencing and Ice COLD-PCR are breakthrough methodologies that allow Sanger Sequencing platforms to be used to detect and identify mutations at or beyond the levels achieved with allele-specific probes or next generation sequencing platforms," said Katherine Richardson, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development for Transgenomic. "Mutations are selectively sequenced or enriched to produce a clear mutation-specific signal despite the presence of wild-type DNA in sample sources such as FFPE, plasma/serum and circulating tumor cells. With these technologies, mutations as rare as 1 in 10,000 molecules can be assayed, opening up new opportunities for cancer detection and characterization."

These high-sensitivity techniques can be deployed in any lab with access to Sanger Sequencing, a ubiquitous platform for genetic analysis. Importantly, because Sanger Sequencing is accepted by regulatory agencies worldwide for confirmation tests, BLOCker-Sequencing and Ice COLD-PCR can immediately fill a critical need for diagnostic and drug manufacturers.

"We are pleased to be invited to present these two key studies at AACR 2011," commented Craig Tuttle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transgenomic. "The application of Ice COLD-PCR and BLOCker-Sequencing in the field of oncology represents a key element in our corporate strategy as we deliver on our mission to be the leading provider of products and services in DNA mutation detection and discovery in clinical research, molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. We are rapidly developing Ice COLD-PCR and BLOCker-Sequencing assays for important cancer genes such as EGFR, K-RAS, PIK3CA, BRAF, NRAS and TP53, and, in fact, most of these assays are already being offered to our pharmaceutical company partners through our Pharmacogenomics services laboratory in support of their clinical trial studies. Our next goal is to offer BLOCker-Sequencing assay kits for laboratories to test tumor tissue directly with a high mutation detection rate and to combine Ice COLD-PCR and BLOCker-Sequencing in kits for testing these same gene mutations in blood where the highest sensitivity is required. We believe that this combination of technologies is unique in the marketplace and will enable us to become a significant contributor in the molecular analysis and detection of cancer."

Transgenomic Presentations at AACR:

Development of a Sensitive COLD-PCR Method for the Detection of EGFR Mutations in DNA

Presenter: Katherine Richardson, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development

Abstract #3063. Tuesday, April 5, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Use of Blocker Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA™) Oligonucleotides in Cycle Sequencing for Improved Limits of Detection (BLOCker™-Sequencing)

Presenter: Benjamin Legendre, Ph.D., Manager, Pharmacogenomics Laboratory Services

Abstract  #4855. Wednesday, April 6, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

About Transgenomic, Inc.

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, nearly 1,500 systems have been shipped to customers 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. Service offerings include the Transgenomic Molecular Laboratory, which provides reference laboratory services specializing in molecular diagnostics including Mitochondrial Disorders, Oncology and Hematology, Molecular Pathology and Inherited Diseases. Transgenomic Pharmacogenomics Services is a CRO for pharmacogenomic, translational research and clinical trials. In December of 2010, we acquired another CLIA certified laboratory in New Haven, Connecticut which specializes in genetic disorders associated with cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. We believe there is a significant opportunity for us to continue growing the demand for molecular-based testing by leveraging our technologies, experience and expertise in biomarker analysis. In addition, we continue to seek out and evaluate new technologies and new laboratory tests which will further extend our offerings in our Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and our Pharmacogenomics Services Lab.

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.