Genoptix and HistoRx Announce Licensing Agreement for AQUA(R) Technology

CARLSBAD, Calif. and NEW HAVEN, Conn., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genoptix, Inc. (Nasdaq: GXDX), a specialized laboratory service provider, and HistoRx, Inc. (privately held), a diagnostics company, today announced a multi-year licensing agreement for AQUA® technology and several diagnostic assays based on it.  Genoptix has obtained exclusive commercial laboratory rights in the United States to develop and perform three solid tumor assays using HistoRx's proprietary technology for analysis of fluorescent immunohistochemistry (fIHC), enabling quantitative assessment of specific biomarkers for patients with certain solid tumors.

Genoptix has also obtained non-exclusive rights to use AQUA technology for the measurement of two additional biomarkers associated with many cancers.  The agreement also enables Genoptix and HistoRx to collaborate on the development of additional assays which Genoptix would then have the right to commercialize.  Additional details were not disclosed.

"We are delighted to be working with HistoRx and look forward to developing and validating clinical diagnostics for key biomarkers using AQUA technology, and to offering them to our oncologist customers and their patients," said Mike Nerenberg, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Genoptix.  "Standard immunohistochemistry assays have their value when detection of biomarkers is sufficient, but clinicians are increasingly discovering that true quantitation of protein in tumors enables more powerful insights.  AQUA technology is noted for its reproducible quantitation of protein biomarkers in tissue and the agreement we announce today will enhance Genoptix's ability to address growing market needs."

"Genoptix has gained the trust of community oncologists and their patients by offering high quality laboratory testing, and HistoRx is delighted to license these assays to them, extending their leadership beyond the realm of hematopathology into the solid tumor market," said Rana K. Gupta, CEO of HistoRx.  "Our company has been developing cancer diagnostics based on AQUA technology for five years, and we couldn't think of a more appropriate inaugural partner for its commercialization."

AQUA technology quantifies and compartmentalizes (e.g., through the measurement of protein in the cell's cytoplasm or nucleus) tumor markers, an important component of the assessment of solid tumors for individual cancer patients.

About Genoptix, Inc.

Genoptix is a leading specialized laboratory service provider focused on delivering personalized and comprehensive diagnostic services to its physician customers, community-based hematologists and oncologists.  On the forefront of personalized diagnostic services, Genoptix's highly trained group of hematopathologists utilize sophisticated technology to provide integrated testing and actionable diagnostic reports.  Its primary diagnostic services are designed to optimize the care of patients suffering from hematomalignancies, or cancers of the blood and bone marrow, including leukemia and lymphoma.  Founded in 1999, Genoptix completed its initial public offering in November 2007 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.  For more information, please visit www.genoptix.com.

About HistoRx, Inc.

HistoRx, Inc. is a leading developer of tissue-based diagnostic solutions to advance individualized patient care.  The company's products and services are based on proprietary analysis of tissue biomarkers using AQUA® technology.  AQUA® technology is the only platform capable of precisely measuring protein biomarker concentration with sub-cellular resolution in tissue sections, enabling fully objective, standardized, reproducible, and automated analysis to guide drug development and therapeutic decision-making.  HistoRx is commercializing a pipeline of proprietary diagnostic products targeting improved treatment decision-making and patient outcomes in cancer care.  For more information, please visit www.historx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Any statements in this press release regarding the business of the companies that are not historical facts may be considered "forward-looking statements," including statements regarding the agreement between Genoptix and HistoRx and the anticipated benefits related thereto, Genoptix's ability to introduce and successfully commercialize any products derived from the agreement and otherwise deliver high quality personalized and comprehensive diagnostic services to its physician customers.  Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties with respect to Genoptix are detailed in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as in subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.  Genoptix undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE Genoptix, Inc.; HistoRx, Inc.