New FISH-Based Testing Capability Expands Company’s Personalized Cancer Care Offering

Company Website: http://www.responsegenetics.com/
LOS ANGELES -- (Business Wire)

Response Genetics Inc. (Nasdaq: RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, today announced the addition of new anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) testing capabilities. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based technology – which complements the company’s current PCR-based EML4-ALK test – Response Genetics can better detect gene variants in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who may be candidates for XALKORI^® (crizotinib) treatment.

Approximately 3 to 5 percent of NSCLC tumors have a rearrangement of the ALK gene, which can lead to impaired programmed cell death and abnormal cell growth. Using the new ALK Break Apart FISH Probe Kit, Response Genetics can detect rearrangements of the ALK gene on the 2p23 chromosome in tumors. The ALK Break Apart FISH Probe Kit is the only available diagnostic assay clinically validated to predict response to the targeted therapy XALKORI^®.

“Diagnostics are playing an increasingly important role in cancer care by providing physicians with the information they need to determine the safest and most effective treatment for each patient,” said Denise McNairn, Interim CEO of Response Genetics. “Through the development of our leading edge ResponseDX™ genetic test panels, we have a proven track record in advancing patient care. And now, with the addition of FISH-based ALK testing capabilities, we are even better positioned to provide valuable clinical information, thus helping reduce the impact of diseases such as NSCLC on patients’ lives.”

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics Inc. (“RGI”) is focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer. RGI’s technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. RGI was founded in 1999, and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.responsegenetics.com.

XALKORI is a trademark of Pfizer.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of RGI related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Companyto successfully announcing its third quarter financial results, execute on its business strategy and operations, ,and other statements identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans” or similar expressions.

These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company’s control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investor Relations Contact:
Trout Group
Michaela Parnell, 646-378-2956
or
Media Relations Contact:
Fleishman-Hillard
Barry Sudbeck, 415-318-4261

Source: Response Genetics Inc.