Earlier detection of cancer with Transgenomic's WAVE(R) system

Mar 29 2004

Transgenomic Inc. has announced that during the American Association of Cancer Research annual meeting currently underway in Orlando, several of its customers from major research institutions worldwide will present results in which the Company's WAVE System has played an important role.

Specific scientific applications represented among these presentations include mutation detection, both scanning and scoring methodologies, as well as analysis of DNA methylation, microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity.

This body of work encompasses research involving a variety of different cancers, including colorectal, breast and ovarian, lung, bladder, gastric and others. Stan Lilleberg, Ph.D., Transgenomic's director of Translational and Clinical Research Services, pointed out that the WAVE System is being used in the field for a broadening set of applications.

The Company has also continued to build on the WAVE platform's historical strengths, pushing further the limits of analytical sensitivity in detecting low-abundance mutations. "We are presenting data at this meeting that demonstrates the ability of our WAVE HS System to facilitate detection of mutations in small amounts of tumor-derived DNA found in the bloodstream of patients with solid tumors. A number of the genetic alterations detected with the WAVE HS were not detectable using various traditional approaches.

We believe these results have potential implications for our partners in early cancer detection and/or novel post-therapy monitoring strategies." Collin D'Silva, Transgenomic's CEO, commented, "Historically, the WAVE System has proven highly effective in scanning or scoring for low-abundance genetic variation, which is particularly valuable for the analysis of somatic mutations that may arise during the course of cancer progression or in association with development of drug resistance." D'Silva continued, "We are gratified to see the WAVE System used for an increasing variety of related applications. This versatile instrument platform, together with our expanding portfolio of consumable products and the unique capabilities of our Discovery Services unit, allows us to offer a comprehensive set of solutions to the cancer research community." He concluded, "Our products and services are enabling the translation of our customers' research in the genetics of cancer into more effective therapeutic strategies."