IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CombiMatrix Corporation (Nasdaq: CBMX ), a molecular diagnostics company specializing in DNA-based testing services for developmental disorders and cancer diagnostics, today announced that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued new guidelines indicating that chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is now recommended as the first-line genetic test in pregnancies showing fetal abnormalities on an ultrasound screen.
The ACOG guidelines also indicate that microarray testing is recommended as the preferred genetic test to help identify the cause of death in stillbirths and intrauterine fetal demise when further cytogenetic analysis is desired because of its increased likelihood of obtaining results and improved detection of causative abnormalities.
CMA is a DNA-based method of prenatal genetic testing. Like the conventional prenatal genetic test known as karyotyping, CMA can identify major chromosomal defects such as Down syndrome. But CMA can also find many other genetic defects that are too small to be detected by karyotyping. Both CMA and karyotyping require testing of fetal tissue obtained with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
"We believe this new guidance from ACOG recommending CMA as the first-line test when an ultrasound reveals one or more major fetal abnormalities is a significant milestone in the evolution of genetic testing for fetal abnormalities, but one that we had expected based on the clinical data from recently published studies," said Mark McDonough, President and CEO. "Due to the support of ACOG and its opinion leaders, we believe clinicians are now more likely to counsel patients on the availability of microarray testing and offer this option to them as a first-line test. We believe ACOG's recognition of microarray testing's increased likelihood of obtaining results and improved detection of causative abnormalities in stillbirths and intrauterine fetal demise also is an important milestone in those areas of care."
About CombiMatrix Corporation
CombiMatrix Corporation provides valuable molecular diagnostic solutions and comprehensive clinical support for the highest quality of care – specializing in miscarriage analysis, prenatal and pediatric healthcare. CombiMatrix offers comprehensive testing services for the detection of genetic abnormalities at the DNA level, beyond what can be identified through traditional methodologies. The Company performs genetic testing utilizing advanced technologies, including microarray, FISH, PCR and G-Band chromosome analyses. Additional information about CombiMatrix is available at www.combimatrix.com or by calling 1-800-710-0624.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "goal," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "more likely to," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "objective," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the advantages and efficacy of CMA over standard karyotyping, the evolution of genetic testing for fetal abnormalities, stillbirths and intrauterine fetal demise, and the likelihood that clinicians will counsel patients on the availability of microarray testing and offer it as a first-line test. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: market acceptance of CMA as a preferred method over karyotyping; the rate of transition to CMA from karyotyping; our ability to successfully expand the base of our customers and strategic partners, add to the menu of our diagnostic tests in both of our primary markets, develop and introduce new tests and related reports, optimize the reimbursements received for our testing services, and increase operating margins by improving overall productivity and expanding sales volumes; our ability to successfully accelerate sales, allow access to samples earlier in the testing continuum, steadily increase the size of our customer rosters in both developmental medicine and oncology; our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force; rapid technological change in our markets; changes in demand for our future products; legislative, regulatory and competitive developments; general economic conditions; and various other factors. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports of Form 10-Q, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.
Company Contact: Mark McDonough President & CEO, CombiMatrix Corporation Tel (949) 753-0624 Media Contact: Len Hall VP, Media Relations Allen & Caron Tel (949) 474-4300
