NeoGenomics Introduces Comprehensive Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Molecular Testing

FT. MYERS, Fla., July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NeoGenomics, Inc. (NASDAQ: NEO), a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services, announced today that it has validated and launched a number of clinical molecular tests for the comprehensive profiling of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). 

MDS is a highly complex and difficult to diagnose disease with a wide variety of clinical behaviors.  Management of the disease can vary significantly depending on the severity of the disease.   NeoGenomics' comprehensive MDS testing covers all of the known relevant molecular mutations associated with the disease⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾. NeoGenomics now provides mutation analysis of the following genes, either individually or as a group:  SF3B1, U2AF1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, RUNX1, EZH2, ASXL1, TET2, TP53, NRAS, CBL, PTPN11, IDH1/2 and ETV6. NeoGenomics comprehensive MDS tests can be used for confirming diagnosis, predicting prognosis, determining therapeutic strategy and monitoring response.  

Doug VanOort, the company's Chairman and CEO, said "NeoGenomics is committed to being the leading laboratory in the rapidly evolving field of molecular pathology and now offers the most extensive menu of molecular testing services targeted to cancer in the United States. We believe that full characterization of cancer at the genomic level is essential in the current practice of precision medicine"

Dr. Maher Albitar, the Company's Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research and Development, commented, "MDS is a heterogeneous disease and defining the specific molecular abnormalities that drive the disease in each specific patient is essential. NeoGenomics' MDS tests can provide profound insights into the disease and guide treating physicians in designing the proper personalized therapeutic strategy for individual patients." 

MDS is diagnosed in more than 10,000 people in the United States annually with an approximate incidence rate of 4.5 cases per 100,000 people. MDS is a myeloid malignancy characterized by peripheral blood cytopenias. The disease can arise de novo or after exposure to chemicals, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers. Establishing diagnosis can be very difficult and the presentation of MDS can overlap with multiple other reactive processes.

About NeoGenomics, Inc.
NeoGenomics, Inc. is a high-complexity CLIA–certified clinical laboratory that specializes 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, morphology studies, anatomic pathology and molecular genetic testing.  Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, NeoGenomics has labs in Nashville, TN, Irvine, CA, Tampa, FL and Fort Myers, FL. NeoGenomics services the needs of pathologists, oncologists, urologists and other clinicians, and hospitals throughout the United States. For additional information about NeoGenomics, visit http://www.neogenomics.com. 

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.

Scientific References:

(1) Bejar R, Stevenson K, Abdel-Wahab O, Galili N, Nilsson B, Garcia-Manero G, Kantarjian H, Raza A, Levine RL, Neuberg D, Ebert BL. Clinical effect of point mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes.  N Engl J Med. 2011 Jun 30;364(26):2496-506.

(2) Makishima H, Visconte V, Sakaguchi H, Jankowska AM, Abu Kar S, Jerez A, Przychodzen B, Bupathi M, Guinta K, Afable MG, Sekeres MA, Padgett RA, Tiu RV, Maciejewski JP. Mutations in the spliceosome machinery, a novel and ubiquitous pathway in leukemogenesis. Blood. 2012 Apr 5;119(14):3203-10.

SOURCE NeoGenomics, Inc.