Transgenomic, Inc. Launches Best-in-Class Next-Generation Sequencing Test for Nuclear Mitochondrial Disorders at the 2011 United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Meeting

OMAHA, Neb., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Transgenomic, Inc. (OTC/BB: TBIO) today announced the launch of the Nuclear Mitome Test, a genetic test to aid physicians in the diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders. The Nuclear Mitome Test, employs next-generation sequencing technology to identify mutations in more than 400 genes, and represents the most comprehensive genetic test available for mitochondrial disorders. The announcement was made at the 2011 United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation annual meeting in Schaumburg, Illinois.

"Determining the specific cause of disease can be quite challenging in patients with mitochondrial disorders," explained Sihoun Hahn, MD, PhD, Director of Biochemical Genetics at Seattle Children's Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington and inventor of the new test. "Hundreds of genes have been identified as causative or potentially related to mitochondrial diseases that can have symptoms affecting many parts of the body, such as muscle, liver and the nervous system. Using the Nuclear Mitome Test to find the defective genes, clinicians will be able to make a more precise diagnosis and plan the most effective treatments."

"We are pleased to continue leading the translation of molecular genetics into clinical practice through our new partnership with Seattle Children's Research Institute," said Craig Tuttle, CEO of Transgenomic. "The Nuclear Mitome Test presents a tremendous growth opportunity for our Clinical Laboratories division, potentially doubling our current sales over the next three years in the area of mitochondrial disorder genetic testing, which today includes a menu of over 20 distinct tests, and positions the company for greater success in the future."

About Mitochondrial Diseases

Mitochondrial diseases are the most common metabolic diseases of childhood with an estimated frequency of 1 in 2000 births.  They are characterized by multi-organ involvement, particularly neuromuscular symptoms, and often follow a rapidly progressive course. The variability in clinical presentation makes diagnosis tremendously challenging, as it traditionally relies on often-inconclusive enzymatic analyses that do not pinpoint the underlying molecular defect. Knowledge of the specific cause of disease can be important for developing personalized treatment strategies.

About Transgenomic, Inc.

Transgenomic, Inc. (www.transgenomic.com) is a global biotechnology company advancing personalized medicine in cancer and inherited diseases through its proprietary molecular technologies and world-class clinical and research services. The company has three complementary business divisions: Transgenomic Pharmacogenomic Services is a contract research laboratory that specializes in supporting all phases of pre-clinical and clinical trials for oncology drugs in development. Transgenomic Clinical Laboratories specializes in molecular diagnostics for cardiology, neurology, mitochondrial disorders, and oncology. Transgenomic Diagnostic Tools produces equipment, reagents, and other consumables that empower clinical and research applications in molecular testing and cytogenetics. Transgenomic believes there is significant opportunity for continued growth across all three businesses by leveraging their synergistic capabilities, technologies, and expertise. The company actively develops and acquires new technology and other intellectual property that strengthen its leadership in personalized medicine.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" of Transgenomic within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those with respect to management's current views and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, including the ability of the Company to grow its involvement in the diagnostic products and services markets. The known risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting these forward-looking statements are described from time to time in Transgenomic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any change in such factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to in such statements. Accordingly, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to all statements contained in this press release. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release and Transgenomic does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.

SOURCE Transgenomic, Inc.