HTG Announces New Australian Patent for Its Technology


Patent covers methods of co-detecting mRNA and small non-coding RNA

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (Nasdaq:HTGM), a provider of instruments, reagents, and services for molecular profiling applications, today announced the issuance of Australian Patent Number 2012316129 for “Methods of Co-detecting mRNA and Small Non-coding RNA.”

The technology claimed in the patent involves multiplexed, nuclease-protection methods of detecting messenger RNA (mRNA) and small non-coding RNA, such as microRNA (miRNA), in a single test or assay. The patent, which provides protection until September 2032, is part of a family of patents, including U.S. patent no. 9,512,469 issued on December 6, 2016, protecting this method.

“We are pleased to strengthen our intellectual property protection with the addition of this Australian patent covering this application of our core technology,” stated TJ Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of HTG. “We believe miRNAs are gaining relevance as possible diagnostic markers and are very pleased to have our methods of mRNA and miRNA co-detection patented in multiple geographies. We have consistently sought to protect uses of our technology in the U.S. and globally, and now have over 20 patents covering our nuclease-protection-based technologies, including our HTG EdgeSeq method.”

About HTG
HTG Molecular Diagnostics Inc. (“HTG”) is focused on next generation sequencing (NGS) based molecular profiling. The company’s proprietary HTG EdgeSeq technology automates complex, highly multiplexed molecular profiling from solid and liquid samples, even when limited in amount. HTG’s customers use our technology to identify biomarkers important for precision medicine, to understand the clinical relevance of these discoveries, and ultimately to identify treatment options. Our mission is to empower precision medicine at the local level.

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 about the benefits and uses of our patented technologies, and the size, expiration date(s) and content of our patent portfolio, each patent of which is subject to timely annuity fee payments, will expire as a matter of course even if annuities are timely paid, and may be adversely affected by potential legal challenges prior to its expiration. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "will," "goal," "potential" 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, our ability to successfully develop, market and/or commercialize new methods, technologies and/or products, including our patented technologies. 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, 2017. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ashley Robinson
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
617-775-5956
arr@lifesciadvisors.com

TJ Johnson
President/CEO
HTG Molecular Diagnostics
520-547-2827 x130
tjjohnson@htgmolecular.com