Transgenomic, Inc. Launches New Genetic Testing Service For Diagnosis Of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome

New CMT NGS Panel is Most Comprehensive Available for Definitive Diagnosis of These Common Neurological Genetic Disorders

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Transgenomic, Inc. (NASDAQ:TBIO), a global biotechnology company advancing precision medicine through advanced diagnostic tests and clinical and research services, today announced the launch of its CMT NGS Panel for the diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathies.

CMT neuropathies, which comprise a group of inherited genetic disorders that affect peripheral nerves and are considered to be part of the muscular dystrophy family, are the most common genetic neuropathy, with a prevalence rate of 1 in 2,500. Onset of symptoms typically occurs around the age of 12, and CMT patients manifest a variety of potentially disabling symptoms.

There is considerable variability in the large number of genetic mutations associated with CMT, so Transgenomic designed its panel to test for all 36 reported CMT disease-causing genes. However, studies have also shown that a majority of patients have mutations in a single gene, making a sequential approach to CMT testing both economical and efficient. Transgenomic has built its CMT Reflex Analysis to reflect these findings by offering the commonly-occurring PMP22 deletions/duplications as the first tier of testing. If these come back negative, then all 36 reported CMT disease-causing genes are sequenced. Having a definitive diagnosis is useful for optimizing treatment options as well as for genetic counseling for future childbearing.

Transgenomic President and CEO Paul Kinnon commented, “Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies are among the most common genetic disorders, so we are very pleased to announce the launch of our comprehensive new CMT NGS panel that is designed to be both economical and when needed, the most comprehensive on the market. Pediatric Neurology genetic testing is a growing core competency and focus of our Patient Testing business unit. This new test is the most recent example of our commitment to leadership in the provision of state-of-the-art genetic testing for children with neurological disorders.”

For more information on the Transgenomic CMT NGS Panel, visit: http://www.transgenomic.com/product/cmt-ngs-panel/

About Transgenomic
Transgenomic, Inc. is a global biotechnology company advancing personalized medicine in cardiology, oncology, and inherited diseases through advanced diagnostic technologies, such as its revolutionary ICE COLD-PCR™ and its unique genetic tests provided through its Patient Testing business. Transgenomic also provides specialized clinical and research services to biopharmaceutical companies developing targeted therapies and sells equipment, reagents and other consumables for applications in molecular testing and cytogenetics. Transgenomic’s diagnostic technologies are designed to improve medical diagnoses and patient outcomes.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” of Transgenomic within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. The known risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting these forward-looking statements are described from time to time in Transgenomic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in Transgenomic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2015. Any change in such factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to in such statements. Accordingly, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to all statements contained in this press release. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release and Transgenomic does not undertake any duty to update this information, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law.