US LABS Introduces Gene Expression Profiling Capabilities on Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2003 US LABS Inc., a leading anatomic pathology provider of cancer diagnostic services diagnostic services, n.pl the imaging and laboratory capabilities available for determining the cause of an illness. , announced today its new gene expression profiling Microarray technology is often used for gene expression profiling. It makes use of the sequence resources created by the genome sequencing projects and other sequencing efforts to answer the question, capabilities. The new tests were introduced at the 26th Annual San Antonio San Antonio (săn ăntō`nēō, əntōn`), city (1990 pop. 935,933), seat of Bexar co., S central Tex., at the source of the San Antonio River; inc. 1837. Breast Cancer Symposium and will be offered by US LABS on a research use only (RUO RUO Research Use Only RUO Reference Unbundling Offer RUO Run Ultima Online (emulator program) RUO Resident Unit Officer ) basis. The new genetic profiling will allow US LABS to provide a genetic picture of a person's tumor that can now be performed on formalin formalin /for·ma·lin/ (for´mah-lin) formaldehyde solution. for·ma·lin n. An aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is 37 percent by weight. fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE FFPE Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (tissue) FFPE Fédération de la Fonction Publique Européenne (Staff Representation at the European Commission) ) tissue, using Arcturus Bioscience Inc. proprietary technology. Over 40,000 RNA RNA: see nucleic acid. RNA in full ribonucleic acid One of the two main types of nucleic acid (the other being DNA), which functions in cellular protein synthesis in all living cells and replaces DNA as the carrier of genetic transcripts representing 25,000 to 30,000 genes may be assessed using this technique. The information generated can then be analyzed by physicians who will ultimately decide how they utilize the genetic profile and what impact it plays in clinical patient management. Judd Jessup, US LABS CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. stated, "We believe that the new RUO testing is just the start of things to come in the ability to offer physicians molecular tests that may impact the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic management of cancer." US LABS, through its collaboration with Arcturus, has internally validated signatures for estrogen receptor estrogen receptor A protein of a superfamily of nuclear receptors for small hydrophilic ligands–eg, steroid hormones, thyroid hormone, vitamin D, retinoids; the presence of ERs in breast CA generally is associated with a better prognosis, as they respond to status and recurrence in invasive breast cancers. Arcturus is the leading company in laser capture microdissection (LCM (Liquid Crystal Monitor) A flat panel display that uses the liquid crystal (LCD) technology. See flat panel display. ) instruments and reagents for the analysis of microscopic tissue samples, with systems installed in leading cancer centers and other research and clinical laboratories worldwide. By utilizing Arcturus LCM instruments and reagents, US LABS is able to precisely select pure tumor cell populations and to unlock and amplify RNA from standard FFPE tissue samples for gene expression analysis, a first in a pathology reference laboratory. Dr. Kenneth Bloom, US LABS Medical Director, added, "This opens a new chapter in pathology. We have come a long way in the categorization of tumors, and predicting treatments and outcomes with light microscope. However, this new tool allows us to greatly expand our knowledge by examining the entire genome of a tumor without the need to acquire fresh or frozen tissue." "We are very pleased with our collaboration with US LABS and their use of our microgenomics technology to provide gene expression services to physicians," said Dr. Thomas Baer, President and CEO of Arcturus. About US LABS Irvine-based US LABS is a national, anatomic pathology reference laboratory devoted to comprehensive, high quality, rapid response cancer testing. The company provides diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive cancer testing services to hospitals, physician offices, surgery centers, and research institutions. US LABS news releases and other information can be found on the company's Web site at www.uslabs.net or for more information contact Dennis Walsh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, 949-450-0145. About Arcturus Bioscience Inc. Arcturus is the leading company in laser capture microdissection (LCM) instruments and reagents for the analysis of microscopic tissue samples, with systems installed in leading cancer centers and other research and clinical laboratories worldwide. These tools enable researchers to perform rapid cell-based analysis of disease progression utilizing the smallest and purest samples possible to date. The company has developed this unique technology platform for genetic analysis of biopsy samples and has applied its platform to discover cell-specific gene signatures associated with human diseases such as cancer. Arcturus is a private company with headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. Additional information on Arcturus can be found at www.arctur.com or by contacting Nancy Westcott at 650-962-3020, Ext. 376. |
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