HTG Molecular Diagnostics Unveils New Direct-Target Sequencing Chemistry to Launch in First Quarter 2017

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 27, 2017 -- HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq:HTGM)("HTG"), a provider of instruments, reagents and services for molecular profiling applications announced that its new direct-target sequencing chemistry will be available in the company’s VERI/O laboratory as a service offering beginning in the first quarter of 2017.  The new chemistry is designed for direct sequencing of specified DNA and, in the future, RNA targets with the same high sensitivity and specificity as the company’s current HTG EdgeSeq chemistry applications. The initial panel planned for the VERI/O laboratory will detect common mutations in the EGFR, KRAS and BRAF genes for retrospective research studies especially from small and difficult samples, such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.

“We are very excited to be able to offer our customers this added service which, together with our prior service offerings, enables us to provide information on key DNA mutations as well as comprehensive gene expression RNA profiling, all from a single section of FFPE tissue,” said TJ Johnson, HTG’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We have completed our patent application filings and plan to leverage this new chemistry into multiple offerings, including DNA applications such as expanded DNA mutation panels, and detecting microsatellite instability and tumor mutational burden.”

“We are completing final preparations for launching the direct-target sequencing technology and an initial DNA mutation panel in our VERI/O laboratory, and plan to have this panel available to service customers for research uses by the end of this quarter,” added Byron Lawson, HTG’s Vice President of Commercial Operations.

About HTG:

Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, HTG’s mission is to empower precision medicine at the local level. In 2013, the company commercialized its first instrument platform and a portfolio of RNA assays that leveraged HTG’s original proprietary nuclease protection chemistry. Continuous innovation promptly led to HTG’s first, now‑patented, sequencing-based chemistry and, in 2014, the company launched its HTG EdgeSeq product line, which automates sample and targeted library preparation for next-generation sequencing. Additional information is available at www.htgmolecular.com.

Safe Harbor Statement: 

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements associated with the expected benefits of our new direct-target sequencing, or “version 2,” chemistry and VERI/O laboratory service offerings, our ability to timely commercialize our first version 2 chemistry service offering, and our ability to successfully develop and commercialize service or other product offerings based on our version 2 chemistry. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “goal,” “potential,” “future” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements necessarily contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations, are subject to known and unknown risks, and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the risk that we may not realize the expected benefits from our VERI/O laboratory service offerings or our new technologies, such as the version 2 chemistry, risks associated with the utility of our automation systems, proprietary profiling panels and solutions, and our ability to successfully manufacture and supply our products. These and other factors are described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

Contacts:  
Westwicke Partners
Jamar Ismail
Phone: 415-513-1282
Email: [email protected]

TJ Johnson
President / CEO
HTG Molecular Diagnostics
Phone: 520-547-2827 x130
Email: [email protected]