Parsippany, NJ, March 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Interpace Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Interpace Biosciences (NASDAQ:IDXG) announced today that it has entered into a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts with over 3 million members in Massachusetts and across New England. The contract expands Interpace's ThyGeNEXT^® and ThyraMIR^® thyroid assays as both covered services and now in-network services for BCBS of Massachusetts' 3 million members and their families. As a result of this Agreement, members of BCBS of Massachusetts can take advantage of the benefits of ThyGeNEXT^® and ThyraMIR^® testing due to Interpace's status as an in-network provider. While terms of this Agreement are not disclosed, Interpace now benefits from a claim adjudication perspective as an in-network lab.

ThyGenX^® utilizes state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify more than 100 genetic alterations associated with papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas, the two most common forms of thyroid cancer. ThyraMIR^® is the first microRNA gene expression classifier. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that bind to messenger RNA and regulate expression of genes involved in human cancers, including every subtype of thyroid cancer. ThyraMIR^® measures the expression of 10 microRNAs. Both ThyGenX^® and ThyraMIR^® are covered by both Medicare and Commercial insurers.

The Interpace Diagnostics division provides clinically useful molecular diagnostic tests, bioinformatics and pathology services for evaluating risk of cancer by leveraging the latest technology in personalized medicine for improved patient diagnosis and management. Interpace has four commercialized molecular tests and one test in a clinical evaluation process (CEP): PancraGEN^® for the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer from pancreatic cysts; ThyGeNEXT^® for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer from thyroid nodules utilizing a next generation sequencing assay; ThyraMIR^® for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer from thyroid nodules utilizing a proprietary gene expression assay; and RespriDX^® that differentiates lung cancer of primary vs. metastatic origin. In addition, BarreGEN^® for Barrett's Esophagus, is currently in a clinical evaluation program whereby we gather information from physicians using BarreGEN^® to assist us in positioning the product for full launch, partnering and potentially supporting reimbursement with payers.

The Interpace Pharma Solutions division provides pharmacogenomics testing, genotyping, biorepository and other customized services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The Pharma Solutions Business also advances personalized medicine by partnering with pharmaceutical, academic, and technology leaders to effectively integrate pharmacogenomics into their drug development and clinical trial programs with the goals of delivering safer, more effective drugs to market more quickly, and improving patient care.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, relating to the Company's future financial and operating performance. The Company has attempted to identify forward looking statements by terminology including "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "intends," "potential," "may," "could," "might," "will," "should," "approximately" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, assumptions and uncertainties involving judgments about, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Additionally, all forward-looking statements are subject to the risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC, including without limitation, the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's Quarterly Reports filed with the SEC. Because of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.