CRO

PGXL and Silicon Biosystems Collaborate to Offer Clinical Research Services Focused on Oncology Genomics

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--PGXL Technologies and Silicon Biosystems, Inc. announced a collaborative partnership to make the highly regarded Silicon Biosystems DEPArray technology available through PGXL Technologies. The PGXL program will allow clinical researchers and pharma sponsors to obtain the level of data fidelity and resolution needed in cancer biomarker discovery and translational research.

"As the DEPArray technology has gained recognition in the marketplace for its unmatched ability to recover pure cells for molecular characterization, we have received significant interest in having the platform available on a fee-for-service basis," said Bob Proulx, President and General Manager of Silicon Biosystems' U.S. operations. "Last year we added a demonstration and training lab, but partnering with PGXL for CRO services will add a whole new dimension to our ability to reach and impact the market."

The DEPArray technology has broad application in the study of the underlying causes of disease, disease progression and the basis of drug resistance and efficacy. Recent technology progress in the areas of DNA and RNA analysis have shown that the complexity of diseases, like cancer, will require the characterization and comparison of different types of samples at the single cell level. The DEPArray system provides single-cell sorting, and can deliver the cell purity needed for the stringent downstream applications, such as next-gen sequencing and RNA expression profiling.

"We partnered with PGXL because they bring highly complementary capabilities and expertise to the equation," Proulx continued. "Their experience in molecular methods and operation of a CLIA laboratory make them an ideal service provider for our prospective clients interested in genomic heterogeneity and translational research."

"PGXL Tech exists to bring to market technologies that advance personalized medicine," said Dr. Roland Valdes, Jr., President of PGXL Laboratories. "Making the DEPArray available on a fee-for-service basis empowers researchers to work with a precision that will speed discovery."

The DEPArray and supporting technologies will be available Summer, 2013.

ABOUT PGXL TECHNOLOGIES

PGXL Technologies is the sister company of PGXL Laboratories, a global leader in the clinical application of pharmacogenetic and molecular diagnostic testing for personalized medicine. It is PGXL Technologies' mission to identify and commercialize new technologies to improve medical outcomes and advance the cause of personalized medicine. http://www.pgxlabs.com/technologies

ABOUT SILICON BIOSYSTEMS

Silicon Biosystems is a medical device manufacturer leading the field in the detection and recovery of single cells for cancer research and prenatal testing. The company manufactures and sells the DEPArray platform, a lab-on-a-chip technology able to isolate and manipulate cells in suspension with a microelectronic array. The approach, patented by Silicon Biosystems, offers the unique ability to control individual cells and micro-particles inside a disposable cartridge. The DEPArray platform makes it possible to find, sort, and recover individual cells for further analysis or culturing. For more information on Silicon Biosystems visit http://www.siliconbiosystems.com.