OPKO Health's GeneDx to have Significant Presence at ACMG 2017
Launching New Genetic Tests in Multiple Indications
Multiple Poster and Platform Presentations Highlight GeneDx’ Broad Offerings in a Variety of Genetic Specialties
MIAMI, March 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPKO Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPK) announces that GeneDx, a subsidiary of OPKO Health, will have a prominent presence at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Annual Meeting taking place from March 21-24, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona.
GeneDx has been selected to present research data in 14 poster presentations and four platform presentations. The platform presentations will cover the utilization of exome sequencing in the context of abnormal ultrasound findings, ataxia-related neurologic disorders, immunological conditions, and for testing the contribution of genetic mosaicism to Mendelian disorders. The platform presentations can be accessed here. The poster presentations will cover a variety of topics including hereditary cancers, epilepsy, autism/intellectual disability, and whole exome sequencing and can be accessed here.
GeneDx also announces the launch of several new tests to expand testing flexibility for multiple indications. GeneDx will be offering new or expanded tests for ataxia-related disorders, autism and intellectual disability, neuropathy and epilepsy.
GeneDx has sequenced more than 55,000 clinical exomes to date. To further expand this clinical genomics program, whole genome sequencing will be offered to clinicians and research programs to help patients who may benefit from this test.
These exome sequencing options will soon be launched and are intended for healthy individuals or couples who would like to have these tests because of family history concerns, fertility or pregnancy related outcomes, or the desire to know more about their genetic health. These tests will require an order by a qualified healthcare provider with appropriate genetic counseling.
“We are thrilled to have such an outstanding presence at the annual ACMG conference this year as it provides us an opportunity to showcase our growing genetic testing offering to an audience of key genetics and genomics specialists. Having 18 abstracts accepted by ACMG reflects our ongoing mission of commitment to research and collaboration,” said Ben Solomon, MD, FACMG, Managing Director of GeneDx. “We also welcome the opportunity to speak directly to the genetics community about the expansion of our truly unmatched testing menu.”
If attending ACMG, visit GeneDx at booth #401 to learn more.
About the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics advances the practice of medical genetics and genomics by providing education, resources and a voice for more than 1600 biochemical, clinical, cytogenetic, medical and molecular geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals committed to the practice of medical genetics. ACMG’s activities include the development of laboratory and practice standards and guidelines, advocating for quality genetic services in healthcare and in public health, and promoting the development of methods to diagnose, treat and prevent genetic disease. Genetics In Medicine, published monthly, is the official ACMG peer-reviewed journal. ACMG’s website (www.acmg.net) offers a variety of resources including Policy Statements, Practice Guidelines, Educational Resources, and a Find a Geneticist tool.
About GeneDx
GeneDx is a world leader in genomics with an acknowledged expertise in rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders, as well as one of the broadest menus of sequencing services available among commercial laboratories. GeneDx provides testing to patients and their families in more than 55 countries. GeneDx is a business unit of BioReference Laboratories, a wholly owned subsidiary of OPKO Health, Inc. To learn more, please visit www.genedx.com. For GeneDx’s complete list of testing options, please visit www.genedx.com or email genedx@genedx.com.
Follow on Twitter @GeneDx and become a fan on Facebook @GeneDxLab to get real-time updates.
About OPKO Health
OPKO Health is a diversified healthcare company that seeks to establish industry leading positions in large, rapidly growing markets. Our diagnostics business includes BioReference Laboratories, the nation’s third largest clinical laboratory with a core genetic testing business and a 400 person sales and marketing team to drive growth and leverage new products, including the 4Kscore® prostate cancer test and the Claros® 1 in office immunoassay platform. Our pharmaceutical business features RAYALDEE, an FDA approved treatment for SHPT in stage 3-4 CKD patients with vitamin D insufficiency (launched in November 2016), VARUBI™ for chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (oral formulation launched by partner TESARO and IV formulation pending FDA approval), TT401, a once or twice weekly oxyntomodulin for type 2 diabetes and obesity, in phase 2 clinical trials, among the new class of GLP-1 glucagon receptor dual agonists, and TT701, a selective androgen receptor modulator for benign prostatic hyperplasia (phase 2). Our biologics business includes hGH-CTP, a once weekly human growth hormone in phase 3 and partnered with Pfizer; and a long-acting Factor VIIa drug for hemophilia in phase 2a. More information available at www.opko.com.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), which statements may be identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "projects," "will," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning, including statements regarding our new test offerings and our ability to expand our clinical genomics programs and leverage advanced genomic technologies, as well as other non-historical statements about our expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding our business, technologies and products, financial condition, strategies or prospects. Many factors could cause our actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements. These factors include those described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the risks inherent in funding, developing and obtaining regulatory approvals of new, commercially-viable and competitive products and treatments. In addition, forward-looking statements may also be adversely affected by general market factors, competitive product development, product availability, federal and state regulations and legislation, the regulatory process for new products and indications, manufacturing issues that may arise, patent positions and litigation, among other factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date the statements were made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA.
Contacts:
OPKO Health, Inc.
David Malina, 305-575-4137
dmalina@opko.com
GeneDx
Harpreet Somal
201-937-9496
harpreet@genedx.com
Media
Rooney Partners
Terry Rooney, 212-223-0689
trooney@rooneyco.com
or
Marion Janic, 212-223-4017
mjanic@rooneyco.com
Investors
LHA
Anne Marie Fields, 212-838-3777
afields@lhai.com
or
Bruce Voss, 310-691-7100
bvoss@lhai.com
Released March 14, 2017