SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biocept, Inc. (Nasdaq: BIOC ), a molecular oncology diagnostics company specializing in biomarker analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, today announced that its proprietary liquid biopsy testing that is performed at the Company's CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory will be offered to participants in the America's Choice Provider Network (ACPN), a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Biocept offers a clinically valuable molecular analysis from a simple blood sample that aids physicians' treatment decisions for a wide variety of recurrent and metastatic cancers. In a substantial number of cancer patients, extracting sufficient tissue for a biopsy, either at diagnosis or at the time of progression or recurrence, is not a viable option. Biocept's 'liquid biopsy' technology gives clinicians an alternative for testing patients when a tumor biopsy is not adequate or practical. Biocept's blood-based tests are also used by physicians to monitor patients' treatment in a non-invasive manner.
"The healthcare community understands the importance of tracking and monitoring biomarker status in order to successfully treat cancer patients," said Mike Nall, CEO of Biocept. "Now, Biocept's tests are available to provide this molecular information when tissue biopsies are not adequate or when the risk to the patient is too great to attempt a surgical procedure. We are happy to partner with America's Choice Provider Network and others in the payor community to ensure that a liquid biopsy is a diagnostic option for more patients."
"We are excited to have Biocept as a participating provider in our network and pleased to offer the Company's unique services to our members. When a tissue biopsy is not an option, our members now have access to a validated test to aid in making the crucial decisions in the treatment of cancer," said Todd Breeden, CEO and President, ACPN.
"Through this collaboration with ACPN, we have expanded access to liquid biopsy to 19 million Americans, giving them an option to avoid additional surgeries for a tissue biopsy – thus reducing costs while improving outcomes," added Amy McNeal, Biocept senior director of strategic reimbursement.
About Biocept, Inc.
Biocept, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is a commercial stage oncology diagnostics company focused on providing information on patients' tumors to physicians using its proprietary technology platform to help improve individual patient treatment. Biocept has developed proprietary technology platforms for capture and analysis of circulating tumor DNA, both in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and in plasma (cell free tumor DNA). A standard blood sample is utilized to provide physicians with important prognostic and predictive information to enhance individual treatment of their patients with cancer. Biocept currently offers testing for breast cancer, lung cancer and gastric cancer and plans to introduce additional CLIA validated tests for breast, lung, colorectal, melanoma, prostate and other solid tumors based on its proprietary technology platforms over the coming months. For more information about Biocept and liquid biopsy, please visit www.biocept.com .
About America's Choice Provider Network
America's Choice Provider Network (ACPN) is an independent, multi-specialty national provider network that offers providers, payers, and patients an out of network solution. Across the nation, greater than 19 million Americans and over 1,100 payers have access to ACPN's proprietary national network through a client base consisting of Insurance Carriers, Third Party Administrators, Health and Welfare Funds, Employer Groups and Self-Insured Health Plans. The products covered include Individual and Group Health, Workers Compensation, Auto Liability and Medicare Advantage.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations or beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions about future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of words like "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. To the extent that statements in this release are not strictly historical, including without limitation statements as to the Company's ability to partner with other payors, such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous risk factors as set forth in our SEC filings, including without limitation our need to grow our business and our operations, our need for capital, and the effects of reimbursement limitations and other health care statutory and regulatory initiatives. The effects of such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Readers are advised to review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which can be accessed over the Internet at the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov .
Investor Contact: The Ruth Group David Burke (646) 536-7009 Media Contact: The Ruth Group Melanie Sollid-Penton (646) 536-7023
