PHENOGEN SCIENCES, INC. ANNOUNCES CLINICAL VALIDATION STUDY SUPPORTING THE USE OF BREVAGENPLUS(R) IN BREAST CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phenogen Sciences, Inc. (www.phenogensciences.com) announces that findings from a new research study show that adding a panel of 77 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) improves the predictive accuracy of four commonly-used breast cancer risk assessment models. This same panel of 77 SNPs is used in Phenogen Sciences' recently released BREVAGenplus®, an easy-to-use predictive risk test for sporadic, or non-hereditary, breast cancer. Results were presented at the 2014 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium on December 13, 2014.

The study, entitled "Value of Adding Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel Markers to Phenotypic Algorithms of Breast Cancer Risk," was conducted under the supervision of Prof. John L. Hopper and first authored by Dr. Gillian S. Dite from the Centre for Molecular Epidemiology at the University of Melbourne. The study investigated the impact of adding the same 77 SNP panel used in BREVAGenplus to the following breast cancer prediction models: BOADICEA and BRCAPRO, both of which are based on pedigree data for breast and ovarian cancer; BCRAT, which is based on established risk factors for breast cancer and family history as represented by the number of first-degree relatives with breast cancer; and IBIS, which combines information on both familial and personal risk factors for breast cancer.

Results show that adding a SNP risk score to these four breast cancer prediction models can improve risk estimates obtained by these models. Because these models place different weighting on different risk components, this new study also shows that combining the 77 SNP score with the most patient-appropriate breast cancer risk-assessment model can improve a clinician's ability to identify high-risk women in different patient populations.
 
"We are very pleased to see that incorporating genetic information derived from the 77 SNPs utilized in BREVAGenplus improves the discriminatory accuracy of these four tools for assessing breast cancer risk, including BCRAT, which is the model on which BREVAGenplus is based," said Richard Allman, PhD, Scientific Director at Genetic Technologies, Ltd.
 
The researchers studied a population-based sample of 750 cases and 405 controls from the Australian Breast Cancer Family Registry and utilized the same methodology as a previous study of seven SNPs conducted by the same researchers.1 This new Australian study builds on previous observations, that including information on multiple SNPs can improve the discriminatory accuracy of BCRAT (also referred to as the Gail Model) risk assessment model, as well as extending that observation to more recently identified SNPs associated with breast cancer.
 
About Phenogen Sciences, Inc.
 
Phenogen Sciences, the U.S. subsidiary of Australia-based Genetic Technologies Limited, is a pioneer in personalized healthcare. Phenogen Sciences offers novel predictive testing and assessment tools that help physicians proactively manage women's health risks. Phenogen Sciences' product, BREVAGenplus is a scientifically validated test that combines a woman's clinical history of estrogen exposure with her genetic predisposition to its effects; more accurately categorizing her personal risk of developing breast cancer. For more information, visit http://www.phenogensciences.com.
 
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Any statements in this press release that relate to the Company's expectations are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees. Since this information may involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from expected results. Additional risks associated with Genetic Technologies' business can be found in its periodic filings with the SEC.
 
For Further Information Contact:
 
Dr. Richard Allman
Scientific Director
Genetic Technologies Limited
Phone: +61 3 8412 7012
 
Bruce Likly (USA)
Kovak-Likly Communications
203-762-8833
blikly@klcpr.com
 
Reference:
1. Dite GS, Mahmoodi M, Bickerstaffe A, et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 139: 887-896.