CombiMatrix Appoints Molecular Diagnostics Veteran Dirk van den Boom, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors

IRVINE, Calif., March 01, 2017 -- CombiMatrix Corporation (NASDAQ:CBMX), a family health molecular diagnostics company specializing in DNA-based reproductive health and pediatric testing services, announces that Dirk van den Boom, Ph.D., has joined the Company’s Board of Directors, increasing Board membership to six. 

“Dirk is a recognized leader in the development and commercialization of reproductive health diagnostics,” said R. Judd Jessup, Chairman of CombiMatrix.  “He brings a scientific perspective to the board along with a wealth of executive-level and strategic planning experience that will be invaluable as we build on our established position in this market.  Dirk also shares our passion for providing high-quality test results that assist physicians and their patients in family health and planning, making him an ideal fit for our Board.  We look forward to calling on Dirk’s expertise and guidance, and we are delighted to welcome him to our Company.”

Dr. van den Boom most recently served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of publicly traded molecular diagnostics company Sequenom, Inc., prior to that company’s acquisition by Laboratory Corporation of America^® (LabCorp^®) in September 2016.  During his 18 year tenure at Sequenom, he held positions of increasing responsibility including Chief Scientific and Strategy Officer; Executive Vice President, Research and Development; Chief Technology Officer; and Senior Vice President of Research and Development.  Dr. van den Boom has co-authored more than 95 articles published in peer-reviewed journals and is inventor on more than 80 patents and patent applications. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology from the University of Hamburg.

About CombiMatrix Corporation

CombiMatrix Corporation provides best-in-class molecular diagnostic solutions and comprehensive clinical support to foster the highest quality in patient care. CombiMatrix specializes in pre-implantation genetic diagnostics and screening, prenatal diagnosis, miscarriage analysis and pediatric developmental disorders, offering DNA-based testing for the detection of genetic abnormalities beyond what can be identified through traditional methodologies. Our testing focuses on advanced technologies, including single nucleotide polymorphism chromosomal microarray analysis, next-generation sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridization and high resolution karyotyping.  Additional information about CombiMatrix is available at www.combimatrix.com or by calling (800) 710-0624.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," “approximates,” "expects," "intends," "plans," "goal," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projected results of operations, including projected cash flow-positive operating results, management's future business, operational and strategic plans, recruiting efforts and test menu expansion. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: our estimates of total market sizes for the tests that we offer; our ability to grow revenue and improve gross margin; delays in achieving cash flow-positive operating results; the risk that test volumes and reimbursements level off or decline; the risk that payors decide to not cover our tests or to reduce the amounts they are willing to pay for our tests; the risk that we will not be able to grow our business as quickly as we need to; the inability to raise capital; the loss of members of our sales force; our ability to successfully expand the base of our customers, add to the menu of our diagnostic tests, develop and introduce new tests and related reports, expand and improve our current suite of diagnostic services, optimize the reimbursements received for our molecular testing services, and increase operating margins by improving overall productivity and expanding sales volumes; our ability to successfully accelerate sales, steadily increase the size of our customer rosters in all of our genetic testing markets; our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force in wider geographies; our ability to ramp production from our sales; rapid technological change in our markets; changes in demand for our future services; legislative, regulatory and competitive developments; general economic conditions; and various other factors. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports of Form 10-Q, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Company Contact:
Mark McDonough
President & CEO, CombiMatrix Corporation
(949) 753-0624

Investor Contact:
LHA	
Jody Cain
(310) 691-7100
[email protected]