nCounter-based system enables multiplex analysis of proteins and RNA in spatial context from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples

SEATTLE, Nov. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG), a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, has begun accepting applications to a Technology Access Program (TAP) for its novel Digital Spatial Profiling technology (formerly referred to as digital IHC). In contrast to the sequential analysis of multi-target immunohistochemistry (IHC) slides, NanoString’s Digital Spatial Profiling technology samples analytes on a single slide. This not only shortens experiments and simplifies data analysis, but also provides a higher multiplexing capacity of up to 800 targets and a wider detection range, all with spatial context from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue sections.

“To comprehensively understand the tumor and immune response to tumors, it is critical to know not only which targets are expressed, but where they are expressed,” said Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D., Department Chair, Systems Biology, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “This complex biology is not readily captured using traditional low-plex immunohistochemistry or techniques such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry that destroy spatial information. NanoString’s technology relies on direct hybridization of RNA oligos and/or barcoded antibodies to detect RNA and protein simultaneously to provide more comprehensive insights into the biology of the tumor microenvironment than has been previously been possible with other techniques.”

NanoString is expanding access to the Digital Spatial Profiling TAP. Under the program, technology access partners can submit up to 20 FFPE tissue sections and NanoString will perform a high-plex protein spatial profiling assay from a panel of 30 pre-validated antibodies. An assay report along with raw digital data and processed results will be provided back to partners. Researchers interested in participating in NanoString’s technology access program for its Digital Spatial Profiling technology should contact us at TAP@nanostring.com.

“NanoString aims to help our customers extract the maximum amount of biomarker information out of tumor tissues,” said Brad Gray, president and chief executive officer of NanoString Technologies. "The Digital Spatial Profiling technology allows us to multiplex proteins or RNA targets, dramatically increasing the amount of information that a biopharma or academic researcher can get out of a sample. There has been such interest in this capability following our presentation at AACR that we decided to initiate a Technology Access Program.” 

Based on NanoString's proprietary barcoding technology, the Digital Spatial Profiling platform measures local protein levels, and can be combined with RNA expression, within heterogeneous tissue samples. Combining both multiplexed nucleic acid and protein on the same platform gives researchers the ability to spatially resolve RNA when suitable antibodies do not exist. The platform includes imaging and fluidic components to capture spatial context, and current nCounter® instruments provide the quantification.

NanoString will present data that demonstrates recent advances in Digital Spatial Profiling at the following 2016 annual meetings: Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), November 10 -12, Charlotte, North Carolina and Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), Nov 9 – 13, National Harbor, Maryland.

Digital Spatial Profiling workshops:

“New Optical Barcode Chemistries for Digital Biomarker Quantification: Spatially Resolved, Multiplexed Protein and RNA Profiling on FFPE Powers Precision Immuno-Oncology Research” - Joseph Beechem PhD, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, NanoString Technologies

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) - Charlotte, North Carolina Booth #508

Workshop: November 9th at 10:00 a.m.

Poster #S43: November 12, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) - National Harbor, Maryland Booth #317

Seminar: November 11th at 12:30 p.m.

Poster #122: November 12, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

About NanoString Technologies, Inc.
NanoString Technologies provides life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products. The company's nCounter Analysis System has been employed in life sciences research since it was first introduced in 2008 and has been cited in more than 1,300 peer-reviewed publications. The nCounter Analysis System offers a cost-effective way to easily profile the expression of hundreds of genes, proteins, miRNAs, or copy number variations, simultaneously with high sensitivity and precision, facilitating a wide variety of basic research and translational medicine applications, including biomarker discovery and validation. The company's technology is also being used in diagnostics. The Prosigna® Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay together with the nCounter Dx Analysis System is FDA 510(k) cleared for use as a prognostic indicator for distant recurrence of breast cancer. In addition, the company is collaborating with multiple biopharmaceutical companies in the development of companion diagnostic tests for various cancer therapies, helping to realize the promise of precision oncology.

For more information, please visit www.nanostring.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the capabilities and anticipated benefits of its Digital Spatial Profiling platform, and the results expected from experiments performed in the related technology access program. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include market acceptance of our products; delays or denials of regulatory approvals or clearances for products or applications; delays or denials of reimbursement for diagnostic products; the impact of competition; the impact of expanded sales, marketing, product development and clinical activities on operating expenses; delays or other unforeseen problems with respect to manufacturing, product development or clinical studies; adverse conditions in the general domestic and global economic markets; as well as the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. NanoString Technologies disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

The NanoString Technologies logo, NanoString, NanoString Technologies, nCounter, nCounter SPRINT, and Prosigna are registered trademarks or trademarks of NanoString Technologies, Inc. in various jurisdictions.

Contact:
Doug Farrell
Phone: 206-602-1768

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