NeoGenomics is First to Offer Molecular Testing for Resistance to Bruton Tyrosin Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

FT. MYERS, Fla., Oct.  23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- NeoGenomics, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEO), a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services, announced today that it has launched new tests for the detection of mutations in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and PLC-gama2 genes for predicting acquired resistance to BTK inhibitors.  In addition, NeoGenomics launched a lymphoma profiling test specifically to predict susceptibility to BTK inhibitors and test for mutations in CXCR4, CD79B, MYD88, and CARD11 genes in various types of lymphoma.

BTK inhibitors are highly effective in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and certain subtypes of lymphoma, including mantle cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).  However, some patients develop resistance to BTK inhibitors while on therapy.  Mutations in BTK and PLC-gama2 genes were found to be responsible for this resistance.  Demonstration of the presence of these mutations confirms the resistance and guides physicians to switch to more effective therapy.

In addition to the BTK acquired resistance test, the company is offering a Molecular profiling test of lymphoma designed to provide biomarkers for determining sensitivity or resistance to BTK inhibitors.

Doug VanOort, the company's Chairman and CEO, said, "We are the first laboratory to develop and offer this advanced testing in the United States.  These new tests demonstrate our commitment to be on the cutting edge in cancer testing, and to develop and offer important new tests to help physicians make the right decision in treating their patients."

Dr. Maher Albitar, the Company's Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research and Development, commented, "Targeting BTK represents a revolutionary approach in the treatment of B-cell neoplasm.  We are providing the appropriate means to optimize the utilization of this type of therapy.  We believe that this type of testing will make physicians better equipped in their struggle to cure CLL and certain types of lymphoma."

Dr. Francis Giles, the Deputy Director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, and Director of the Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute commented, "BTK inhibitors are a very potent member of a new wave of targeted therapies for the lymphoproliferative disorders. We have learned, in particular based on our experience with BCR-ABL1 inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia, that dynamic monitoring of response and resistance is critical to optimal use of targeted therapies. The NeoGenomics tests are very important in this context particularly as defining the likelihood of response to BTK inhibitors, or the molecular nature of BTK inhibitors resistance, to help us choose between the increasing array of relevant alternate agents." 

About NeoGenomics, Inc.

NeoGenomics, Inc. operates a network of CLIA–certified clinical laboratories that specialize in cancer genetics testing, the fastest growing segment of the laboratory industry.  The Company's testing services include cytogenetics, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, anatomic pathology and molecular genetic testing.  NeoGenomics services the needs of pathologists, oncologists, other clinicians and hospitals throughout the United States, and has laboratories in Nashville, TN; Irvine, Fresno and West Sacramento CA; and Tampa and Fort Myers, FL. 

Forward Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in the foregoing are forward-looking statements.  These forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements.  Actual results could differ materially from such statements expressed or implied herein. Factors that might cause such a difference include, among others, the company's ability to continue gaining new customers, offer new types of tests, and otherwise implement its business plan. As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with the company's periodic filings with the SEC.

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SOURCE NeoGenomics, Inc.