MacroGenics and NanoString Enter Translational Research Collaboration to Identify and Develop Biomarkers in Immuno-Oncology

Translational Research Initiative Will Use PanCancer IO 360 Panel to Identify Predictive Signatures for MGD013

SEATTLE, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG), a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, today announced that MacroGenics (NASDAQ:MGNX) and NanoString have entered into a translational research agreement to identify and develop biomarkers for MacroGenics’ MGD013 program.

MGD013 is an IgG4κ bispecific DART® molecule designed to simultaneously block the PD-1 and LAG-3 pathways. In preclinical studies, MGD013 provides enhanced T-cell activation compared to single or combination monoclonal antibody blockade. Disrupting these non-redundant inhibitory pathways may further restore exhausted T-cell function and enhance anti-tumor efficacy. MGD013 is currently in the dose escalation portion of a Phase 1/2 study in which tolerability and preliminary safety in advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies are being evaluated.

MacroGenics and NanoString will conduct joint research using the PanCancer IO 360™ Panel to explore potentially predictive signatures for MGD013 clinical applications. Under the terms of the collaboration, NanoString will develop and evaluate the Tumor Inflammation Signature and novel predictive gene expression signatures for MGD013. In the event that a predictive biomarker is identified, the parties may develop a companion diagnostic for specific clinical applications of MGD013.

“This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to accelerate our MGD013 clinical development program by applying NanoString’s translational research tools,” said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of MacroGenics.

“We are excited to be collaborating with MacroGenics to help identify which patients are the best candidates for their potentially powerful therapies,” said Brad Gray, NanoString’s president and CEO. “This relationship illustrates the critical role that NanoString is positioned to play in precision immuno-oncology.”

The PanCancer IO 360 panel is designed for clinical translational research applications including identification of predictive biomarkers. The panel is designed around the Tumor Inflammation Signature (TIS), an 18 gene signature which measures the presence or absence of a peripherally suppressed adaptive immune response, biology which is relevant to the mechanism of action of MGD013.

About the PanCancer IO 360
NanoString’s PanCancer IO 360 Gene Expression Panel is a unique 770 gene expression panel for research use only that combines vital components involved in the complex interplay between the tumor, microenvironment and immune response in cancer allowing for a multifaceted characterization of disease biology and interrogation of mechanisms of immune evasion. Developed specifically for translational research, this powerful new panel incorporates 47 potentially predictive Research Use Only biological signatures including the 18-gene Tumor Inflammation Signature.

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 2,000 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 collaborates with 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 Opens in new windowwww.nanostring.com.

NanoString, NanoString Technologies, the NanoString logo, nCounter, IO 360 and Prosigna are trademarks or registered trademarks of NanoString Technologies, Inc. in various jurisdictions.

Contact:

Doug Farrell
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Opens in new windowdfarrell@nanostring.com
Phone: 206-602-1768

Source: NanoString Technologies, Inc.