LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGDX – News), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today that Thomas Bologna, CEO and Chairman, and David O’Toole, vice president and CFO, will present at the 22nd Annual UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference at the Grand Hyatt in New York.

Response Genetics’ presentation is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 7. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the conference section of the company's website at http://investor.responsegenetics.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=207260&p=irol-presentations. The webcast will be archived for 60 days.

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics Inc. (“RGI”) is focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer. RGI’s technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. RGI was founded in 1999 and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.responsegenetics.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of RGI related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company to successfully present at the UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference, and other statements identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans” or similar expressions.

These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company’s control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Read more here:
Response Genetics to Present at the 22nd Annual UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJyV8dZA-Qw

Read the original here:
Pony Genetics – Video

Researcher: Genetics impacts everyone

BY AUDREY DWYER | FEBRUARY 02, 2012 7:20 AM

Popular genetics affects everyone.

That's the message of Spencer Wells, the director of the National Geographic Genographic Project, who described to University of Iowa students on Wednesday how genetic research uncovers hidden ties in society.

“It's a story about all of us,” he said.

He is leading a global expedition to collect DNA samples from various indigenous human populations. These samples are being used to record history of human migrations that began in Africa and spread throughout the world.

“The average person doesn't think of genetics as being terribly relevant to her or him,” he told The Daily Iowan. “I think what this study does is raise awareness about genetics to the average person who is not a genetics scientist.”

Wells — who became curious in genetics when he was 10 years old in a biology lab with his mother — said the lecture was an opportunity to bring the excitement of genetics to students in all different areas of study.

He spoke at the Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., about his research experience in roughly 80 countries.

In Wells' research, scientists are able to study how the Y chromosome, found in most male mammals, traces ancestral lineage.

Dan Eberl, the director of the UI's interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in genetics, said the program helps train students to be independent thinkers.

“This enables us to expose our students to a wide variety of studies; these ideas are really important,” he said.

Though the number of students in the program has remained steady over the past few years, averaging roughly 45 students, Eberl said the program has expanded significantly through the numerous interdisciplinary programs.

John Manak, a UI assistant professor of genomics and genetics, said several projects underway in the genetics program examine ways to improve medicine.

Manak stressed the importance of Wells' study in his explanation of human ancestry. The study helps answer the question of human identity and origin simply by looking at DNA.

The UI initially had a basic genetics program, but as developments in the field grew over time, the university expanded opportunities for students. Genetics has become an interdisciplinary field at the university, with officials hiring additional faculty through cluster hiring.

Lily Paemka, a graduate student in genetics, said while she feels genetics is obviously important, giving the community an opportunity to listen to a well-known researcher such as Wells may inspire future generations.

“Hopefully, we will also catch the attention of promising future scientists and maybe even convert some,” she said.

In today's issue:

View the discussion thread.comments powered by

The rest is here:
Researcher: Genetics impacts everyone

Read more here:
Signal Genetics Agrees to Purchase ChipDX to Gain Cancer Diagnostics

Continued here:
Myriad Genetics Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2012 Results

Read more here:
Viral Genetics Inc. Issues 2011 Year in Review and 2012 Outlook

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Signal Genetics, a privately held predictive genetic testing company focused on oncology, today announced an agreement with New York based ChipDX LLC (“ChipDX”), under which Signal will acquire all of the assets of ChipDX, including patents for prognostic tests in lung, breast, and colon cancers. As part of the transaction, Signal will acquire BreastGeneDX®, ColonGeneDX®, and LungGeneDX®, all diagnostic and prognostic tests in development by ChipDX. Signal believes that these genetic tests represent novel products or improvements over other products currently on the market in these cancer types. Signal will also acquire ChipDX’s web-based interface, which will be used to enhance Signal’s physician web portal and allow for remote interpretation of test algorithms. Ryan VanLaar, Ph.D., CEO and Founder of ChipDX, will join Signal as the Head of BioInformatics. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

ChipDX has been recognized by leading molecular diagnostics companies and academic centers for its work in various types of cancer, including most recently for its work on the BreastGeneDX® prognostic test. The acquired tests will leverage the technology platform currently in use by Signal Genetics and its subsidiaries and will provide economies of scale to the Company’s currently commercialized Multiple Myeloma prognostic test, MyPRS Plus™. Additionally, Signal Genetics will leverage its recently established sales team as well as its commercial partners to launch the acquired products.

“The acquisition of the intellectual property and patents of ChipDX dramatically expands and enhances our oncology pipeline,” said Joe Hernandez, President and CEO of Signal. “The addition of ChipDX’s bioinformatics capabilities drastically reduces our time to market with novel molecular tests designed to facilitate better patient outcomes at a lower cost profile. We are also thrilled to have Ryan VanLaar join our team and we welcome him to Signal. This transaction is consistent with our strategy to develop and acquire innovative tools that both complement and enhance our product portfolio.”

Ryan van Laar, CEO and Founder of ChipDX LLC, said, “Joining forces with Signal Genetics provides us with a vehicle to ultimately commercialize our strong portfolio of predictive molecular diagnostic tests. I look forward to leveraging the experience gained in the development of ChipDX to help Signal Genetics achieve its goals, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

About ChipDX LLC

ChipDX LLC is a privately held molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine company based in New York City. It was founded and is currently lead by Ryan VanLaar, Ph.D.

About Signal Genetics

Signal Genetics, the parent company of Myeloma Health LLC, CC Health, Respira Health, and ChipDX, is a privately held predictive genetic testing company focused on helping cancer patients. The goal of Signal Genetics is to provide cancer patients and their physicians with novel and innovative insights into their disease, including predicting outcomes, accurately staging disease, providing odds of relapse, and identifying the optimal treatment regimen based on their specific genetic expression profile. Additional information is available at www.signalgenetics.com

View post:
Signal Genetics Announces Acquisition of ChipDX LLC and Expansion of Molecular Diagnostics Assets in Oncology

Myriad Genetics (Nasdaq: MYGN  ) reported earnings on Jan. 31. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q2), Myriad Genetics beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded significantly, and GAAP earnings per share increased significantly.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
Myriad Genetics logged revenue of $122.8 million. The 17 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see revenue of $115.3 million. Sales were 22% higher than the prior-year quarter's $100.4 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.33. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.31 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.33 for Q2 were 27% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.26 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 86.9%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 37.0%, 140 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 23.0%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $115.9 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.32.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $462.3 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.25.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 520 members out of 597 rating the stock outperform, and 77 members rating it underperform. Among 174 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 164 give Myriad Genetics a green thumbs-up, and 10 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Myriad Genetics is outperform, with an average price target of $25.43.

The biotechnology and healthcare investing landscape is littered with also-rans and a few major winners. Is Myriad Genetics the right stock for you? Read “Discover the Next Rule-Breaking Multibagger” to learn about a company David Gardner believes will be a phenomenal success over the next few years. Click here for instant access to this free report.

Continue reading here:
Myriad Genetics Outruns Estimates Again

Original post:
Genetics Pioneer Was UConn Professor, Mentor

BOTHELL, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN – News) announced today that it will report its fourth quarter and year 2011 financial results on Monday, February 13, 2012, after the close of financial markets. Following the announcement, company management will host a conference call and webcast discussion of the results and provide a general corporate update. Access to the event can be obtained as follows:

LIVE access on Monday, February 13, 2012

1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) / 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

REPLAY access

Telephone replay will be available beginning at approximately 3:30 p.m. PT on Monday, February 13, 2012, through 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, by calling 800-406-7325 (domestic) or 303-590-3030 (international); conference ID 4509854 Webcast replay will be available on the Seattle Genetics website at http://www.seattlegenetics.com in the Investors and News section

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. The FDA granted accelerated approval of ADCETRIS in August 2011 for two indications. ADCETRIS is being developed in collaboration with Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company. In addition, Seattle Genetics has three other clinical-stage ADC programs: SGN-75, ASG-5ME and ASG-22ME. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, Bayer, Celldex Therapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Millennium, Pfizer and Progenics, as well as ADC co-development agreements with Agensys, an affiliate of Astellas, and Genmab. More information can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com.

Original post:
Seattle Genetics to Host Conference Call and Webcast Discussion of Fourth Quarter and Year 2011 Financial Results on …

Read the original:
Range-bound play on Myriad Genetics

Read more:
Delphi Genetics: The New DNAVAC Research Project Targets the Removal of Antibiotics in Veterinary DNA-Vaccine …

See the original post here:
Genetics study reveals how pneumococcus bacteria evolve to evade vaccines

]

Contact: Craig Brierley
c.brierley@wellcome.ac.uk
44-207-611-7329
Wellcome Trust

Genetics has provided surprising insights into why vaccines
used in both the UK and US to combat serious childhood
infections can eventually fail. The study, published today in
Nature Genetics, which investigates how bacteria change
their disguise to evade the vaccines, has implications for how
future vaccines can be made more effective.

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) causes
potentially life-threatening diseases including pneumonia and
meningitis. Pneumococcal infections are thought to kill around
a million young children worldwide each year, though the
success of vaccination programmes has led to a dramatic fall in
the number of cases in countries such as the UK and US. These
vaccines recognise the bacteria by its polysaccharide, the
material found on the outside of the bacterial cell. There are
over ninety different kinds ? or 'serotypes' ? of the bacteria,
each with a different polysaccharide coating.

In 2000, the US introduced a pneumococcal vaccine which
targeted seven of the ninety serotypes. This '7-valent' vaccine
was extremely effective and had a dramatic effect on reducing
disease amongst the age groups targeted. Remarkably, the
vaccine has also prevented transmission from young children to
adults, resulting in tens of thousands fewer cases of
pneumococcal disease each year. The same vaccine was introduced
in the UK in 2006 and was similarly successful.

In spite of the success of the vaccine programmes, some
pneumococcal strains managed to continue to cause disease by
camouflaging themselves from the vaccine. In research funded by
the Wellcome Trust, scientists at the University of Oxford and
at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta
studied what happened after the introduction of this vaccine in
the US. They used the latest genomic techniques combined with
epidemiology to understand how different serotypes of the
pneumococcus bacteria evolve to replace those targeted by the
initial vaccine.

The researchers found bacteria that had evaded the vaccine by
swapping the region of the genome responsible for making the
polysaccharide coating with the same region from a different
serotype, not targeted by the vaccine. This effectively
disguised the bacteria, making it invisible to the vaccine.
This exchange of genome regions occurred during a process known
as recombination, whereby one of the bacteria replaces a piece
of its own DNA with a piece from another bacterial type.

Dr Rory Bowden, from the University of Oxford, explains:
“Imagine that each strain of the pneumococcus bacteria is a
class of schoolchildren, all wearing the school uniform. If a
boy steals from his corner shop, a policeman ? in this case the
vaccine ? can easily identify which school he belongs to by
looking at his uniform. But if the boy swaps his sweater with a
friend from another school, the policemen will no longer be
able to recognise him and he can escape. This is how the
pneumococcus bacteria evade detection by the vaccine.”

Dr Bowden and colleagues identified a number of recombined
serotypes that had managed to evade the vaccine. One in
particular grew in frequency and spread across the US from east
to west over several years. They also showed that during
recombination, the bacteria also traded a number of other parts
of the genome at the same time, a phenomenon never before
observed in natural populations of pneumococcus. This is of
particular concern as recombination involving multiple
fragments of DNA allows rapid simultaneous exchange of key
regions of the genome within the bug, potentially allowing it
to quickly develop antibiotic resistance.

The original 7-valent vaccine in the US has now been replaced
by a 13-valent vaccine, which targets thirteen different
serotypes, including the particular type which had escaped the
original vaccine. In the UK, the 7-valent vaccine resulted in a
substantial drop in disease overall. This overall effect was a
mixture of a large drop in frequency of the serotypes targeted
by the vaccine with some growth in serotypes not targeted by
the vaccine. The 13-valent vaccine was introduced in the UK in
2010.

Derrick Crook, Professor of Microbiology at the University of
Oxford and Infection Control Doctor at the Oxford University
Hospitals NHS Trust, adds: “Childhood vaccines are very
effective at reducing disease and death at a stage in our lives
when we are susceptible to serious infections. Understanding
what makes a vaccine successful and what can cause it to fail
is important. We should now be able to understand better what
happens when a pneumococcal vaccine is introduced into a new
population. Our work suggests that current strategies for
developing new vaccines are largely effective but may not have
long term effects that are as successful as hoped.”

Dr Bernard Beall, a scientist at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention commented: “The current vaccine strategy
of targeting predominant pneumococcal serotypes is extremely
effective, however our observations indicate that the organism
will continue to adapt to this strategy with some measurable
success.”

The Wellcome Trust, which part-funded this research, views
combating infectious disease and maximising the health benefits
of genetic research as two of its strategic priorities. Dr
Michael Dunn, Head of Molecular and Physiological Sciences at
the Wellcome Trust commented: “New technologies allow us to
rapidly sequence disease-causing organisms and see how they
evolve. Coupled with collaborations with epidemiologists, we
can then track how they spread and monitor the potential impact
this will have on vaccine efficiency. This will provide useful
lessons for vaccine implementation strategies.”

###

[ |
E-mail
| Share

]

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy
of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing
institutions or for the use of any information through the
EurekAlert! system.

Read the original here:
Genetics study reveals how bacteria behind serious childhood disease evolve to evade vaccines