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Response Genetics, Inc. Launches ResponseDX(TM) Tests to Select Institutions

Posted on: Wednesday, 5 March 2008, 09:01 CST

Response Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGDX) announced today that its ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™ tests are now available to select medical institutions and practice groups through its CLIA-registered laboratory. ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™ are PCR-based tests that help guide therapeutic treatment decisions in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The tests are in their initial launch phase and are available only to pre-qualified institutions at this time.

"ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™ tests offer clinicians--and ultimately patients--a comprehensive view of the genetic factors that relate to a patient's cancer therapies," said Kathy Danenberg, CEO and President of Response Genetics, Inc. "In this initial launch, we'll continue to gather information from our participating clinical partners to further develop and expand our products and services."

During this initial launch, Response Genetics, Inc. will gather additional data about the utility of these genetic tests, including excision cross-complementing repair factor 1 (ERCC1) gene expression, in the treatment of NSCLC and CRC; clinical practice activities such as sample acquisition, logistics, patient and physician communication; and the use of the test in normal clinical practice related to NSCLC and CRC. Response Genetics, Inc. also offers several genetic tests, in addition to ERCC1, that can use the same formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue sample, which eliminates the need for additional tumor samples.

The complete genetic tests offered for patients with NSCLC or CRC include:

ERCC1 Gene Expression

Available in ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™: This test measures ERCC1 gene expression, a molecular marker to identify NSCLC and CRC patients who may and may not benefit from platinum-based therapy.

KRAS Mutations

Available in ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™: This test determines whether or not the K-ras gene (KRAS) contains mutations. A mutated KRAS is a very strong predictor of non-response and no benefit from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib.

EGFR Amplification

Available in ResponseDX: Lung™: This test measures the number of copies (gene amplification) of EGFR. A high number of gene copies has been shown to correlate with increased response of NSCLC to the EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib.

RRM1 Gene Expression

Available in ResponseDX: Lung™: This test measures RRM1 gene expression, a molecular marker to identify NSCLC patients who may and may not benefit from chemotherapy regimens that include gemcitabine.

TS Gene Expression

Available in ResponseDX: Colon™: This test determines the level of gene expression of thymidylate synthase (TS) in tumor tissue. TS expression is a predictor of response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy.

Response Genetics, Inc. Adds Vice President, Sales and Marketing Position

In addition to the initial ResponseDX: Lung™ and ResponseDX: Colon™ launch, Response Genetics, Inc. announces the appointment of Chris Emery as Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Chris will be responsible for overall marketing strategy and sales of the company's suite of genetic tests to the healthcare community. Chris has more than 10 years experience in the diagnostic and therapeutic industries, and most recently he was the Director of Marketing for Insight Imaging, a provider of diagnostic imaging services. Prior to Insight Imaging, Chris was a National Sales Manager at US LABS, a cancer diagnostic division of LabCorp.

Chris graduated from Pepperdine University with an Executive MBA in 2006, and from the University of California, San Diego, with a BA in Communication Studies in 1994.

Response Genetics, Inc. Annual Strategic Update

Response Genetics, Inc. will announce full year financial results and host an annual strategic update conference call on Wednesday, March 26. As the date approaches the Company will release the conference call time, dial-in numbers, and webcast information.

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. ("RGI") (NASDAQ: RGDX) is engaged in the research and development of pharmacogenomic cancer diagnostic tests based on its proprietary and patented technologies. RGI's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded specimens. RGI currently generates revenue primarily from the sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The company was founded in 1999 and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.responsegenetics.com.

Forward Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of Response Genetics, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company to analyze cancer samples, the potential for using the results of this research to develop diagnostic tests for cancer, the usefulness of genetic information to tailor treatment to patients, the ability of the Company to make its ResponseDx:Lung™ and ResponseDX:Colon™ tests, including its ERCC-1 molecular diagnostic test available in the first quarter of 2008, or at all, and other statements identified by words such as "projects", "may", "could", "would", "should", "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions.

These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Source: Business Wire

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