Response Genetics closes UK facility
16 February 2009
Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RGDX), a developer of molecular
diagnostic tests for cancer, has announced that it is closing its
Edinburgh, UK facility and increasing the capacity of its US
CLIA-certified laboratory in Los Angeles in expectation of increasing
demand for its ResponseDX genetic testing services.
The company says it expects the move to save it approximately $2.3
million in annual expense and it will not affect its current genetic
testing services or partnership agreements.
In connection with this consolidation, the Company has terminated all
associated personnel in the UK, including Dr James Clark, its UK-based
chief operating officer.
“The UK closure is part of a strategic plan to increase operational
efficiency and capacity, as well as reduce overall expenses,” said
Kathleen Danenberg, Response Genetics president and CEO. “Operations are
well positioned in our Los Angeles laboratory and should continue
without interruption. Our testing services are expected to increase,
following the recent decision to expand our US sales force to meet
increasing demand for our family of ResponseDX products and services.”
In January the company announced that it had extended an
agreement with GlaxoSmithKline for two years in which Response Genetics
is the preferred provider of genetic testing services to GlaxoSmithKline
and its affiliated companies.
Response Genetics’ patented diagnostic technology and services are
commercially available to physicians through the company’s ResponseDX:
Lung and ResponseDX: Colon tests. By providing information on a
panel of molecular markers, these PCR-based genetic tests can help
physicians with therapeutic treatment decisions in patients with
non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
Response Genetics says that following the consolidation it will
continue to provide its pharmaceutical partners with genetic testing
services and offer services in Asia through the Company’s partnership
with Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
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