CareDx to acquire SBT Resolver™ HLA Typing Products from Illumina

BRISBANE, Calif., Jan. 24, 2017 -- CareDx, Inc. (Nasdaq:CDNA), a molecular diagnostics company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value diagnostic solutions for transplant recipients, announces that it has signed an agreement with Illumina, Inc. (Nasdaq:ILMN) for the acquisition of Conexio SBT Resolver™ products and Assign™ SBT analysis software for high resolution HLA typing.

SBT Resolver assay designs and Assign SBT software advances have been key to the global implementation of HLA typing. This technology set the benchmark for high-resolution HLA typing and the recently enhanced SBT Resolver assays and Assign SBT v4.7 software continue to provide innovative, high quality HLA typing.

CareDx, through its recently acquired Olerup franchise, has a strong global presence in the pre-transplant HLA typing market. Olerup has successfully distributed the Conexio SBT product line since 2011.

“We see CareDx well-positioned to take ownership of Conexio’s SBT business since the Olerup franchise previously distributed these products. The sale of Conexio’s capillary electrophoresis SBT portfolio permits Illumina to focus on next-generation sequencing products for HLA typing,” said Rob Brainin, Vice President and General Manager, Applied Genomics at Illumina, Inc.

“This acquisition allows us to continue to build our transplant business as we commercialize our existing core products, launch new products and now also can leverage inorganic growth options such as Conexio’s SBT. Illumina has been a terrific partner and strategic investor. We are excited about adding the SBT product line and the capabilities of a great team in Fremantle, Australia to CareDx.” said Peter Maag, CEO of CareDx.

About CareDx
CareDx, Inc., based in Brisbane, California, is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value, non-invasive diagnostic surveillance solutions for transplant recipients. The Company has commercialized AlloMap®, a gene expression test that aids clinicians in identifying heart transplant recipients.  CareDx is also pursuing the development of additional products for post-transplant monitoring of other solid organs that use a variety of technologies, including next generation sequencing, to detect donor-derived cell-free DNA to monitor the health of organs after transplantation.

CareDx, with its presence through Olerup, also develops, manufactures, markets and sells high quality products that increase the chance of successful transplants by facilitating a better match between a donor and a recipient of stem cells and organs.

For more information, please visit: www.CareDx.com.  

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to our proposed acquisition of Conexio SBT Resolver™ products and Assign SBT™ analysis software for high resolution HLA typing, and our business, research, development and commercialization efforts. These forward-looking statements are based upon information that is currently available to us and our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof, and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including risk associated with completing the acquisition and the continued successful research, development and planned commercialization of our technologies, that are described in our filings with the SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 filed by us with the SEC on March 29, 2016 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016 filed by us with the SEC on November 14, 2016.  Any of these may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation, except as required by law, or undertaking to update or revise any such forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact
Jamar Ismail, Vice President
Westwicke Partners, LLC 
T: +1 415-513-1282
E:  [email protected]