CBMX Combimatrix Corp. (MM)

CombiMatrix Corporation (NASDAQ:CBMX), a family health molecular diagnostics company specializing in DNA-based reproductive health and pediatric testing services, announces that results from a first-of-its-kind study spanning preimplantation genetic screening of embryos to microarray analysis for pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders will be presented on January 21, 2017, at the 2nd World Congress of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Cannes, France.  Trilochan Sahoo, M.D., FACMG, CombiMatrix Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Director of Cytogenetics, will discuss the results from more than 29,000 samples indicating that genomic alterations decrease in frequency and severity from conception through childhood.

This ambitious study was aimed at exploring and cataloging the variety, diversity and evolution of genomic abnormalities with adverse effects on human conception, pregnancy and childhood growth and development.  It included an exhaustive analysis of CombiMatrix’s exclusive data generated over the last few years.  An abstract of the study, “Unraveling the Diverse Landscape of Genomic Abnormalities from Conception to Childhood,” is available at http://combimatrix.com/providers/educational-references.  The abstract reviews outcomes from preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) of 3,349 embryos and chromosomal microarray analysis testing of 8,118 pregnancy loss samples, 3,245 prenatal samples, 1,351 neonatal samples and 7,047 pediatric samples.  A spectrum of unbalanced genomic abnormalities was detected in each sample type.  Key findings include:

• Embryo or early pregnancy loss samples showed the highest abnormality rates and a predictable correlation between the severity of chromosomal abnormalities, primarily aneuploidies, with unsuccessful implantation or progression to viable pregnancy. 
• Prenatal and neonatal samples showed that the frequency of significant genomic alterations correlated with the incidence of significant physical and developmental abnormalities, but were not necessarily incompatible with life. 
• Pediatric samples were predominantly deletions and duplications rather than aneuploidy and with less drastic adverse effects.

“The knowledge that genomic rearrangements are an important cause of genetic disease provided a rationale for conducting this first comprehensive study analyzing correlations between cytogenomic abnormalities and adverse effects on human growth and development from conception into childhood,” said Dr. Sahoo.  “The results were highly informative in revealing an evolution of genomic alterations of decreasing severity as human growth progresses from conception through childhood. Importantly, we now have clear evidence that allows us to appreciate the delicate balances that the cellular machinery must maintain for normal genomic content and stability.”

“As more data are collected and analyzed on genomic abnormalities and their impact on early life, we gain a better understanding of the importance of genomic testing at different stages of development,” said Mark McDonough, CombiMatrix President and CEO.  “This study is yet another example of CombiMatrix’s commitment to driving scientific advancement as a market leader in recurrent pregnancy loss and reproductive health diagnostic testing. Our findings provide valuable information to physicians and their patients when deciding to employ molecular diagnostic testing from embryo preimplantation to early childhood.”

About CombiMatrix Corporation

CombiMatrix Corporation provides best-in-class molecular diagnostic solutions and comprehensive clinical support to foster the highest quality in patient care. CombiMatrix specializes in pre-implantation genetic diagnostics and screening, prenatal diagnosis, miscarriage analysis and pediatric developmental disorders, offering DNA-based testing for the detection of genetic abnormalities beyond what can be identified through traditional methodologies. Our testing focuses on advanced technologies, including single nucleotide polymorphism (“SNP”) chromosomal microarray analysis (“CMA”), next generation sequencing (“NGS”), fluorescent in situ hybridization (“FISH”) and high resolution karyotyping. Additional information about CombiMatrix is available at www.combimatrix.com or by calling (800) 710-0624.

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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," “approximates,” "expects," "intends," "plans," "goal," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projected results of operations, including projected cash flow-positive operating results, management's future business, operational and strategic plans, recruiting efforts and test menu expansion. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: our estimates of total market sizes for the tests that we offer; our ability to grow revenue and improve gross margin; delays in achieving cash flow-positive operating results; the risk that test volumes and reimbursements level off or decline; the risk that payors decide to not cover our tests or to reduce the amounts they are willing to pay for our tests; the risk that we will not be able to grow our business as quickly as we need to; the inability to raise capital; the loss of members of our sales force; our ability to successfully expand the base of our customers, add to the menu of our diagnostic tests, develop and introduce new tests and related reports, expand and improve our current suite of diagnostic services, optimize the reimbursements received for our molecular testing services, and increase operating margins by improving overall productivity and expanding sales volumes; our ability to successfully accelerate sales, steadily increase the size of our customer rosters in all of our genetic testing markets; our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force in wider geographies; our ability to ramp production from our sales; rapid technological change in our markets; changes in demand for our future services; legislative, regulatory and competitive developments; general economic conditions; and various other factors. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports of Form 10-Q, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Company Contact:

Investor Contact:

Mark McDonough

LHA

President & CEO, CombiMatrix Corporation

Jody Cain

(949) 753-0624

(310) 691-7100

jcain@lhai.com