SEATTLE and TOKYO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG), a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, and Riken Genesis, a subsidiary of Sysmex Corporation (TOKYO, 6869), today announced that they have entered into a partnership to introduce nCounter-based diagnostic assays in Japan.
Under this agreement, NanoString and Riken Genesis will collaborate to register, obtain reimbursement and commercialize companion diagnostic assays in Japan, including NanoString’s Lymphoma Subtyping Test which will be marketed as the nCounter® Dx LymphMarkTM assay.
LymphMark is a 20-gene signature that classifies cell-of-origin subtypes of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) tumors. The initial indication for the LymphMark assay is expected to be a potential companion diagnostic to aid in identifying DLBCL patients for treatment. The LymphMark assay is based on the Lymph2Cx gene signature that was originally developed by the Lymphoma/Leukemia Molecular Profiling Project (LLMPP) and has demonstrated analytical robustness and potential clinical utility.
The LymphMark assay was used to select patients in a Phase III clinical trial. The LymphMark assay is being evaluated in more than 40 research studies that are being conducted with 23 companies.
“Through this collaboration, we will work closely with Riken Genesis to launch novel diagnostic products on the nCounter platform that have the potential to guide decision making in the Japanese oncology community,” said Brad Gray, chief executive officer of NanoString.
“We are pleased to partner with NanoString to bring new highly multiplexed molecular assays to clinicians and patients in Japan,” said Dr. Naoto Kondo, president and chief executive officer of Riken Genesis. “These innovative assays will be an important addition to our portfolio of diagnostic tests.”
About NanoString Technologies, Inc.
NanoString Technologies provides life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products. The company's nCounter Analysis System has been employed in life sciences research since it was first introduced in 2008 and has been cited in more than 1,800 peer-reviewed publications. The nCounter Analysis System offers a cost-effective way to easily profile the expression of hundreds of genes, proteins, miRNAs, or copy number variations, simultaneously with high sensitivity and precision, facilitating a wide variety of basic research and translational medicine applications, including biomarker discovery and validation. The company's technology is also being used in diagnostics. The Prosigna® Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay together with the nCounter Dx Analysis System is FDA 510(k) cleared for use as a prognostic indicator for distant recurrence of breast cancer. In addition, the company is collaborating with multiple biopharmaceutical companies in the development of companion diagnostic tests for various cancer therapies, helping to realize the promise of precision oncology.
For more information, please visit www.nanostring.com.
About Riken Genesis Co., Ltd.
RIKEN GENESIS, founded in October 2007, provides lab-assay services as well as products for genetic testing based on cutting-edge gene analysis technologies and bioinformatics, and has experience in the field of personalized medicine. The company provides highly reliable tests based on international quality standards, as demonstrated by its CLIA certification, being the first organization in Japan to meet this U.S. quality control standard for clinical laboratories.
For more information, please visit https://rikengenesis.jp/
Forward-Looking Statements - NanoString
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the potential of LymphMark as a companion diagnostic to aid in identifying DLBCL patients for treatment. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include market acceptance of our products; delays or denials of regulatory approvals or clearances for products; the impact of competition; the impact of expanded sales, marketing, product development on operating expenses; delays or other unforeseen problems with respect to manufacturing and product development; adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets; as well as the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. NanoString Technologies disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For more information, please visit http://www.nanostring.com.
The NanoString logo, NanoString, NanoString Technologies, nCounter, LymphMark and Prosigna are registered trademarks or trademarks of NanoString Technologies, Inc. in various jurisdictions.
Contacts:
Doug Farrell
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
dfarrell@nanostring.com
Phone: 206-602-1768
Jun Furukawa
General Manager, Sales & Marketing
Phone: +81-5759-6042
jun.furukawa@rikengenesis.jp