The PAM50 gene signature provides subtype classification and a prognostic score based on the fundamental biology of an individual's breast tumor (referred to as intrinsic subtyping). This information cannot be gained through other currently available diagnostic tests and may provide clinically useful information for a broader range of breast cancers, including classification of tumors from patients with estrogen receptor negative, or node positive tumors.

"We are encouraged to see the substantial body of evidence on the potential clinical utility of intrinsic subtyping breast cancer via the PAM50 gene signature continues to grow," said Brad Gray, President and CEO of NanoString Technologies. "We look forward to collaborating with leading breast cancer researchers to further demonstrate the clinical utility of the PAM50 signature, and to making this assay available on the nCounter platform to the pathology laboratories and medical centers worldwide, following regulatory approvals."

The company's executive management team will be attending this week's ASCO conference to discuss its plans for its breast cancer assay with experts in the field, and to identify other potential partners for its future molecular diagnostics platform.

The nCounter Analysis System is a fully automated digital detection and counting system with a very simple workflow. The assay kits contain all of the reagents and consumables required to conduct an experiment. Minimal sample input requirements and compatibility with a variety of sample types (including Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded tissue), extends the utility of the platform. In addition to gene expression assays, NanoString provides assays for copy number variation and miRNA analysis. The nCounter Analysis System is currently available for Research Use Only.

SOURCE NanoString Technologies, Inc.