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BALTIMORE, Oct. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc. (PGDx), a leading provider of advanced cancer genome testing products and services, today announced the launch of RNAcomplete^™, a new service that allows researchers to co-extract total RNA and genomic DNA from a single tissue sample.

RNAcomplete uses RNA-seq to analyze the presence and quantity of gene transcripts corresponding to more than 34,000 genes and 84,000 transcript isoforms. The assay has been optimized for maximum performance using FFPE tissue and employs a macrodissection process for improved sensitivity and specificity.

The co-extracted DNA produced by RNAcomplete is suitable for whole exome sequencing with PGDx's CancerXOME^™, which captures and analyzes the coding regions of more than 20,000 genes. The CancerXOME and RNAcomplete results together provide powerful information on both gene expression and mutational status, including sequence and copy number alterations, all from a single tissue sample. The ability to co-extract RNA and DNA maximizes the utility of limited FFPE specimens and allows linking mutation and copy number alterations with gene/isoform transcript levels.

The performance of the assay has been validated on multiple levels including an orthogonal method (quantitative RT-PCR) and a head-to-head comparison with a leading RNA-seq provider. In all instances, the RNAcomplete data showed excellent accuracy and reproducibility.

"RNAcomplete is the most recent example of our commitment to provide broad access to state-of-the-art cancer genomics technologies and expertise," said Doug Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Personal Genome Diagnostics. "This addition to our rapidly expanding portfolio of products and services further enables cancer R&D efforts and accelerates the pace of new drug development by providing more genomic information from a single sample."

For optimal results, combined analysis of PGDx RNAcomplete and CancerXOME requires submission of tumor FFPE blocks and patient-matched normal samples. For more information about RNAcomplete, click here

PGDx offers a complete range of cancer genome analysis tools, including exome and targeted approaches for tissue specimens, targeted approaches for plasma samples and a variety of custom tissue and plasma-based options designed to address the specific research needs of cancer researchers and drug developers. It was established in 2010 by researchers from Johns Hopkins University who are pioneers in cancer genome sequencing and liquid biopsy technologies. Under the leadership of founders Drs. Luis Diaz and Victor Velculescu, the company has achieved consistent growth by successfully commercializing novel clinical and investigational products and services for researchers, drug developers, molecular testing laboratories and physicians and patients. PGDx's service offerings for researchers and testing labs are complemented by the clinical services it provides through its CLIA-certified laboratory. 

About Personal Genome Diagnostics 
Personal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx) advances the frontiers of cancer medicine through innovative genomic technologies for oncology researchers, drug developers, clinicians and patients. The expert team at PGDx draws on a deep understanding of cancer biology, extensive experience in cancer genomics and clinical oncology, and the company's distinctive technologies.  These novel technologies precisely identify and characterize unique genomic alterations in tumors. PGDx is working toward broad patient access to its genomic approaches, through a CLIA-certified facility providing comprehensive genomic services, as well as its PROGENEUS^™ technology transfer solution and in vitro diagnostic products to enable other molecular laboratories to easily internalize testing. For additional information, visit personalgenome.com.                                 

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SOURCE Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc.