Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ), a vertically integrated biotechnology
company engaged in the research, development, manufacture, licensing and
marketing of innovative health care products, platforms and services
based on molecular and cellular technologies, announced today a supply
and distribution agreement between Enzo Life Sciences and
privately-owned Cancer Genetics Inc., a leading producer of nucleic acid
products used in genomic research. This agreement covers Enzo’s
proprietary fluorescent dye labels for increasing signal intensity in
labeling nucleic acids.
Cancer Genetics ("CGI”) is an emerging leader in personalized medicine
with products and services that enable cancer diagnostics and treatment
that are tailored to the specific genetic profile of the individual. CGI
has developed two categories of next generation, genomic products that
can be used in the laboratory setting to inform and transform cancer
treatment – DNA FISH probes (which are currently available only outside
the USA) and CGH microarrays. FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization)
is a cytogenetic technique used to detect and localize the presence or
absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. The fluorescent probes
bind to those parts of the chromosome with which they show a high degree
of sequence similarity.
The non-exclusive agreement enables Enzo Life Sciences to incorporate
its proprietary labeling to increase specificity for CGI’s nucleic acid
material that it purchases and supplies to the research market. The Enzo
labeling in essence affords the CGI probe greater visual sensitivity and
the potential for improved clinical value and patient outcomes.
"We are pleased to be able to enter into a collaborative agreement with
CGI which leverages the strengths of both companies. CGI is developing
unique content in the areas of FISH and microarrays, while we offer
unique manufacturing capabilities in both of these areas,” said Dr. Carl
Balezentis, President of Enzo Life Sciences. "Specifically, this
agreement enables us to offer our labeling products in conjunction with
Cancer Genetics’ FISH probes, which are highly regarded in the research
market, and which also provide strong recognition for our technology. We
also recognize that opportunities exist to expand our clinical lab
offerings through the unique products and services for personalized
cancer treatment being offered and being developed by CGI.”
Dr. R.S.K. Chaganti, the founder and Chairman of CGI, said, "This
agreement will introduce the next generation of innovation and
sensitivity in DNA probes being used for clinical cytogenetics for
oncology.”
About Enzo Biochem
Enzo Biochem, Inc., is a growth-oriented integrated life sciences and
biotechnology company focused on harnessing biological process to
develop research tools, diagnostics and therapeutics, and serves as a
provider of test services, including exotic tests, to the medical
community. Since our founding in 1976, our strategic focus has been on
the development of enabling technologies in the life sciences field.
Enzo Life Sciences develops, produces and markets proprietary labeling
and detection products for gene sequencing, genetic analysis and
immunological research, among others. Its catalog of over 40,000
products serve the molecular biology, drug discovery and pathology
research markets worldwide. Enzo Clinical Labs provides laboratory
services for a growing roster of physicians in the New York Metropolitan
area, as well as parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its tests
include, in addition to routine tests, capabilities for detecting
molecular infection disease, molecular oncology, autoimmune disorders
and genetics. Enzo Clinical Labs also provides clinical diagnostic
services that allow Enzo to capitalize on its extensive advanced
molecular and cytogenetic capabilities and the broader trends in
predictive and personalized diagnostics. Enzo Therapeutics is a
biopharmaceutical venture that has developed multiple novel approaches
in the areas of gastrointestinal, infectious, ophthalmic and metabolic
diseases. It has focused its efforts on developing treatment regimens
for diseases and conditions for which current treatment options are
ineffective, costly, and/or cause unwanted side effects. In the course
of the company’s research and development activities, Enzo has developed
a substantial portfolio of intellectual property assets, with 249 issued
patents worldwide and over 200 pending patent applications.
About Cancer Genetics, Inc.
Cancer Genetics, Inc. is an emerging leader in the personalized
treatment of cancer through leading edge diagnostic products and
services. The company was founded by Dr.R.S.K. Chaganti in 1999 and is
based in Rutherford, New Jersey in a state of the art laboratory
facility. CGI has two distinct and synergistic business units, one
focused on delivering cancer testing services to leading oncologists,
pathologists, surgeons and academic centers, and the other focused on
developing next generation molecular diagnostic products for the
personalized treatment of cancer. The company can be found on the
internet at www.cancergenetics.com
or reached at (201)528-9200.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news
release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current
expectations of the Company and its management. Investors are cautioned
that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could
materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations
to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments
occurring after the date of this press release.
