CombiMatrix Will Present Preliminary Data On Non-Invasive, Cancer Screening Test

Presentation to Take Place At Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference February 25 in San Francisco

• Press Release
• Source: CombiMatrix Corporation
• On 6:00 am EST, Tuesday February 10, 2009

MUKILTEO, Wash., Feb. 10, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CombiMatrix Corporation (NasdaqGM:CBMX - News) announced today that preliminary data on its investigational Comprehensive Cancer Array test will be presented publicly for the first time, at Cambridge Healthtech Institute's 16th International Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference being held on February 25-27, 2009, in San Francisco.

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This test is being designed to be a non-invasive screening tool for the early detection of multiple cancers. Early detection is key to improved survival for patients, and the non-invasive nature of this test (a simple blood draw is needed) makes the market potential as high as 90 million people annually in the United States alone.

The study, titled ``Detection of Cancer with Serum miRNAs on an Oligonucleotide Microarray,'' will be presented as a poster by Dr. Dominic Suciu, Senior Scientist at CombiMatrix.

``We are making progress in our development of this potentially revolutionary test. We are presenting preliminary data now, and will continue to present additional data in publications and at appropriate conferences,'' said Dr. Amit Kumar, President and CEO of CombiMatrix.

The test is intended to measure, in peripheral blood, the existence and abundance of miRNA molecules that are indicative of tumor growth at the earliest stages.

The presentation will occur in the Exhibit Hall in the Moscone North Convention Center on February 25, 2009. Dr. Suciu will be available throughout the conference to answers questions about the study. Below is the abstract of the presentation.

Abstract Title: Detection of Cancer with Serum miRNAs on an Oligonucleotide Microarray

Authors: Dominic Suciu, Marcelo Caraballo, Michael J. Lodes, Sandra Munro, Amit Kumar, Brooke Anderson.

Abstract: MicroRNA signatures from various tissues have been shown to be unique and have been used to classify a subset of human diseases including cancer. This study is focused on the evaluation of microRNA expression patterns in human serum for five types of human cancer, prostate, colon, ovarian, breast, and lung, using a pan-human microRNA, high density microarray. This microarray platform enables the simultaneous analysis of all human microRNAs by either fluorescent or electrochemical signals, and can be easily redesigned to include newly identified microRNAs. We show that sufficient microRNAs are present in one milliliter of serum to allow discrimination of normal donors and cancer patients without the need for amplification techniques.

ABOUT COMBIMATRIX CORPORATION

CombiMatrix Corporation is a diversified biotechnology business, through the development of proprietary technologies, products and services in the areas of drug development, genetic analysis, molecular diagnostics, nanotechnology research, defense and homeland security markets, as well as other potential markets where our products and services could be utilized. The technologies we have developed include a platform technology to rapidly produce customizable, in-situ synthesized, oligonucleotide arrays for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. This technology has a wide range of potential applications in the areas of genomics, proteomics, biosensors, drug discovery, drug development, diagnostics, combinatorial chemistry, material sciences and nanotechnology. We have also developed the capabilities of producing arrays that utilize bacterial artificial chromosomes on our arrays, also enabling genetic analysis. Other technologies include proprietary molecular synthesis and screening methods for the discovery of potential new drugs. Combimatrix Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (``CMDX''), our wholly owned subsidiary located in Irvine, California, has developed capabilities of producing arrays that utilize bacterial artificial chromosomes, which also enable genetic analysis.

Additional information about CombiMatrix Corporation is available at http://www.combimatrix.com or by calling 1-800-985 CBMX (2269). Additional information about CMDX is available at http://www.cmdiagnostics.com or by calling 1-800-710-0624.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the ``safe harbor'' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the recent economic slowdown affecting technology companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory, and competitive developments, and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

          Lazar Partners
          Media Contact:
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          CombiMatrix Corporation
          Investor Relations Contact:
          Amit Kumar, Ph.D., President & CEO
          (425) 493-2000
          Fax: (425) 493-2010