GAITHERSBURG, Maryland,
June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/
-- GeneDx, one of the world's foremost genetic testing
laboratories and a subsidiary of Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc.
(NASDAQ: BRLI) announced today its intention to launch a suite of
comprehensive genetic tests for inherited cancers including BRCA1
and BRCA2 genes, given the Supreme Court's ruling in the
Association for Molecular Pathology vs. Myriad Genetics case.
GeneDx, which was the first commercial laboratory to utilize
next generation sequencing technologies to answer meaningful
clinical questions in cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, among
other clinical areas, will now bring its expertise and reputation
for service to inherited cancers and will offer a 27-gene panel for
breast and ovarian cancers. GeneDx will also provide next
generation sequencing based multi-gene panels for gastrointestinal
and colorectal cancers, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer and
renal cell carcinoma. The Company has indicated that it intends to
introduce all of these panels as early as August 1, 2013.
According to Sherri Bale, Ph.D.,
a founder and the Managing Director of GeneDx, "These panels will
provide an efficient and cost-effective approach to identifying the
genetic basis of inherited cancer. For breast/ovarian cancer
particularly, it will be a more sensitive approach than testing
only the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes alone. Over the past decade,
research has identified many genes associated with hereditary
cancers. Some of these genes play a role in more than one type of
cancer, and in most types of cancer several genes may be
characterized as causative. Determining which genes and the order
in which to test them can be complex, expensive and time consuming.
GeneDx, therefore, has developed comprehensive panels to facilitate
testing of all the important genes associated with inherited
cancers in a manner that provides rapid and accurate results and at
typically no additional cost when compared to testing for a single
gene."
GeneDx has distinguished itself and gained the trust of the
genetics community for its clinical and scientific expertise and
experience. Founded in 2000 by geneticists and still managed today
by geneticists, GeneDx started offering Whole Exome Sequencing in
2012 to help end the diagnostic odyssey for families who for years
have been looking for a molecular diagnosis. Currently, GeneDx
offers testing for more than 350 genetic disorders, and has over 30
board-certified geneticists and genetic counselors on staff
available to physicians to address their concerns and questions
about genetic testing.
About Bio-Reference Laboratories (NASDAQ = BRLI), Inc. and
GeneDx
BRLI is the fourth largest full service laboratory in
the United States, primarily a
clinical testing laboratory servicing physician offices with
concentrations in the focused markets of esoteric testing,
molecular diagnostics, anatomical pathology, women's health and
correctional health care. BRLI is a national oncology laboratory
operating as GenPath. Better science, superior technology and
better service have enabled GenPath to earn a reputation as one of
the premier hematopathology laboratories in the country. BRLI's
innovative technology platform for sexually transmitted infections
has enabled it to expand as a national laboratory in the area of
Women's Health. GeneDx, a wholly owned subsidiary, is the BRLI
genetics laboratory and is typically recognized as the leading
laboratory for testing of rare genetic diseases; GeneDx has now
become a technology leader with XomeDx, whole exome sequencing
test, and its Next-Gen sequence offerings that are currently
offered in several disease areas, such as cardiology, neurology,
immunology, ophthalmology and prenatal areas.
