CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics to Utilize Autism Probe Content from a Partnership with The Centre for Applied Genomics.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Acacia Research Corporation (Nasdaq:CBMX)(Nasdaq:ACTG) announced today that its CombiMatrix group's subsidiary, CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics (CMDX), has entered into a partnership with The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG) in Toronto, Canada.

An international consortium, which included TCAG scientists, recently completed the most comprehensive study of the genetic causes of autism. CMDX has access to, and plans to use, the published markers in upcoming versions of its Constitutional Genetic Array Test. The test will then screen for the more than 50 disorders currently handled by the array, as well as for these newly discovered genetic indicators of autism susceptibility.

CMDX's first CGAT test was launched last year and has demonstrated significant diagnostic utility. A second, significantly updated version of the CGAT developed with TCAG, is expected later this quarter, with the third version to be released by the end of the year. This third version is expected to incorporate all newly discovered genetic indicators of autism.

Autism is a spectrum disorder with a variable range of phenotypic presentation. It is believed that an accurate identification of the potential genetic causes could provide better stratification criteria which in turn could translate into better management of the patient, through more accurate expectations and better counseling or therapy options.

According to Dr. Mansoor Mohammed, President and CEO of CMDX, "TCAG has established itself as one of the world's premier centers of genomics excellence. Under the Directorship of Dr. Steve Scherer, TCAG has consistently contributed ground-breaking discoveries to the field of genomics, including most recently those surrounding genomic variation, as well as transformative insight into the causes of autism spectrum disorder. This partnership provides CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics unprecedented access to world-class facilities and services as well as to genomics discoveries, which will be instrumental in growing and diversifying our clinical test menu. The strategic value of this collaboration will be evidenced in several of our upcoming new diagnostic tests."

"It is exciting to have a partner like this to translate our genomic discoveries into clinically relevant and responsible diagnostic tests," said Dr. Steve Scherer, Director of TCAG.

ABOUT TCAG

The Centre for Applied Genomics (TCAG; www.tcag.ca) is a core infrastructure within the Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, and is a Science and Technology Platform for the Ontario Genomics Institute and Genome Canada. TCAG's mandate includes the provision of genomics research infrastructure and resources for investigators in the public, private and government/NGO sectors worldwide. Additionally, TCAG provides consultative resources related to genomics project design, data generation and analysis. Dr. Steve Scherer is the Scientific Director of TCAG and is a world-renowned researcher in the areas of genomic variability and the genetics of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. For a detailed biography, see www.tcag.ca/scherer/.

ABOUT ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

Acacia Research Corporation comprises two operating groups: Acacia Technologies Group and CombiMatrix Group.

The CombiMatrix group is developing a platform technology to rapidly produce customizable arrays, which are semiconductor-based tools for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. The CombiMatrix's group's technology has a wide range of potential applications in the areas of genomics, proteomics, biosensors, drug discovery, drug development, diagnostics, combinatorial chemistry, material sciences and nanotechnology.

The Acacia Technologies group develops, acquires, and licenses patented technologies. Acacia controls 62 patent portfolios, which include U.S. patents and certain foreign counterparts, covering technologies used in a wide variety of industries including audio/video enhancement & synchronization, broadcast data retrieval, computer memory cache coherency, credit card fraud protection, database management, data encryption & product activation, digital media transmission (DMT [R] ), digital video production, dynamic manufacturing modeling, enhanced Internet navigation, image resolution enhancement, interactive data sharing, interactive television, laptop docking station connectivity, microprocessor enhancement, multi-dimensional bar codes, resource scheduling, spreadsheet automation, and user activated Internet advertising.

Acacia Research-Acacia Technologies (Nasdaq:ACTG) and Acacia Research-CombiMatrix (Nasdaq:CBMX) are both classes of common stock issued by Acacia Research Corporation and are intended to reflect the performance of the respective operating groups and are not issued by the operating groups.

Information about the Acacia Technologies Group and the CombiMatrix Group is available at www.acaciaresearch.com .

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