GeneDx to Launch Comprehensive Breast Cancer Genetic Test

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.