Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. : GeneDx Unveils Groundbreaking Test to Identify Rare Inherited Diseases
10/12/2011| 09:35am US/Eastern
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At the joint conference of the American Society of Human
Genetics/International Congress on Human Genetics in Montreal on October
12, GeneDx, one of the foremost genetics laboratories in the world and a
subsidiary of Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: BRLI), is
announcing a first-of-its-kind test that will enable physicians and
patients to more accurately identify the genetic cause of rare diseases.
This genetic test is useful when a patient has gone through all the
routine diagnostic tests and does not yet have a molecular genetic
diagnosis. Based on the test results, physicians will be able to make a
specific diagnosis, provide the patient with a specific disease
surveillance, and develop a program for prevention and management of the
condition. In addition, the patient's family members also can get tested
for the specific mutation identified in the patient in order to assess
both their risk of disease and of having children with the same
condition. GeneDx will offer XomeDx TM, an
exome sequencing test which will be clinically appropriate when a
diagnosis cannot be made by using other more targeted methods.
"GeneDx, our world class clinical diagnostic laboratory brings extensive
breadth and depth to the analysis and interpretation of the significance
of molecular findings seen in rare genetic disorders, with the
experience to interpret the entire spectrum of genetic variation," said
Marc Grodman, MD, President and CEO of Bio-Reference Laboratories. "This
new test is another illustration of how our superb staff of geneticists
apply breakthroughs in genomic testing to assist physicians in
identifying the underlying molecular basis of rare inherited diseases.
It will enable us to analyze genetic material in a way never before
possible." With more than 20 Board-certified geneticists whose clinical
and molecular specialties range from dermatology and immunology to
ophthalmology and cardiology, GeneDx is extremely well positioned to
provide comprehensive analysis and interpretation of genetic variations
that cause rare inherited disorders.
"Having the capability to examine the entire spectrum of genetic
variants, including mitochondrial, nuclear and copy-number variation, is
critical," said Sherri Bale, PhD, Managing Director, GeneDx "However, if
you don't have the expertise to analyze and interpret the molecular
data, you can't make an accurate diagnosis. As part of our test, we will
use our clinical expertise and apply our state-of-the-art technology and
analysis of the family data to identify the genetic defect to make an
accurate diagnosis."
GeneDx will provide the XomeDx test in its CLIA-certified laboratory
(through the U.S. Government's Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment
- CLIA - program). The report that will be issued will be simple to
understand for the clinician, patient and their family.
XomeDx will be available from GeneDx beginning January 3, 2012.
About GeneDx and Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc.
BRLI is the fourth largest full service laboratory in the United States
and the largest independent regional laboratory in the Northeastern
market, 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 operates as a national oncology
laboratory 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
GenomeDx, based on a CGH array platform and its NextGen sequence
offerings that are currently offered in cardiology and will be offered
in the future in other disease specific areas.
For GeneDx and Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc.
Dick Wolfe,
201-964-2409
dwolfe@mww.com
© Business Wire 2011
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