Transgenomic to present study results of high-sensitivity cancer mutation assays at AACR

Apr 2 2011

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

SOURCE Transgenomic, Inc.