AUSTIN, Texas–(Business Wire)–
Asuragen, Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostics and RNA-based pharmacogenomics
services, announced today that it has obtained a non-exclusive license to
incorporate the BRAF V600E mutation sequence into Asuragen`s molecular
diagnostic products. The license was obtained from Johns Hopkins University and
includes the use of the BRAF V600E mutation as a component of diagnostic test
kits and for use in Asuragen`s CLIA laboratory for clinical research and patient
testing.

The V600E mutation in the BRAF oncogene results in a constitutively active BRAF
protein. BRAF is a component of the EGFR /MAPK signaling pathway that is a
target of several approved drugs as well as numerous drugs in clinical and
pre-clinical development. The presence of this mutation has been shown to impact
prognosis and the prediction of therapeutic response in colorectal cancer. The
mutation can be detected by testing DNA from tumor biopsies and resected tumor
tissues. BRAF mutation also predicts a poorer prognosis in thyroid cancer and is
a unique prognostic and diagnostic genetic marker for this cancer.

“This Agreement with Johns Hopkins University will enable Asuragen to expand its
mutation testing for a range of cancers,” said Rollie Carlson, President of
Asuragen. “The integration of BRAF into our existing multiplex tests on the
Luminex platform allows us to provide rapid and streamlined tests for a number
of clinical and research applications.”

Asuragen has integrated the BRAF mutation into its Luminex-based Signature KRAS
Mutations assay* to expand coverage of the important EGFR/MAPK signaling
pathway. Asuragen will also offer BRAF mutation testing in its Services
Laboratory for clinical trials and companion diagnostics studies.

About Asuragen, Inc.

Asuragen is a fully integrated diagnostic development company and pharmaceutical
services provider. The Company`s diagnostic product portfolio consists of the
first-ever validated microRNA diagnostic assay for pancreatic cancer,
quantitative RNA tests for leukemia gene translocations, and the Signature
Oncology products. Asuragen is empowered with a high level of scientific
expertise and assay development capabilities, CLIA and GLP testing services, and
an established cGMP manufacturing facility, which allow it to span the spectrum
of discovery, testing, production and commercialization. For more information,
visit www.asuragen.com.

* For Research Use Only. Not For Use in Diagnostic Procedures.

Asuragen, Inc.
Rollie Carlson, 512-681-5200
President
rcarlson@asuragen.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010