Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories Announces Acquisition of Controlling Interest in Impact Genetics

Investment strengthens genetic testing expertise in Canada

Website:  www.gamma-dynacare.com

BRAMPTON, ON, Oct. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories (Gamma-Dynacare) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in Impact Genetics Inc. (Impact Genetics), a Toronto-based laboratory specializing in high-complexity, disease-specific genetic testing.

"We welcome this opportunity to strengthen Gamma-Dynacare's position as a leading Canadian reference laboratory," said Naseem Somani, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories.   "Experts around the world seek out the specialized genetic testing expertise of Impact Genetics.  This investment brings to Gamma-Dynacare expanded capabilities in molecular medicine, oncology and genetic testing for rare diseases that will enhance our continued growth in the field of personalized medicine."

Impact Genetics is recognized by oncologists and geneticists around the world as a leader in genetic testing for rare diseases.  With a test menu including Retinoblastoma RB, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome VHL and Gene Copy Number Analysis, Impact Genetics serves clients throughout North America, Asia and Europe. New tests for Uveal Melanoma and Inherited Leukemia will soon be launched.

"This exciting partnership will provide Canadians with better genetics services and build on local expertise and talent in this rapidly expanding market," said Franny Jewett, CEO, Impact Genetics.

Over the coming months, Impact Genetics' operations will move to Gamma-Dynacare's centre of excellence for pathology, immunopathology, genetics and pharmacogenomics testing in Bowmanville Ontario, near Toronto.  Ms. Jewett, Medical Director Dr. Brenda Gallie and the entire Impact Genetics team will remain in their respective roles with the company.

"It was Gamma-Dynacare's commitment to molecular medicine, reputation for quality and expertise in high volume laboratory test services that attracted us. Our scientific discoveries will have global impact because this partnership allows us to grow and deliver on our mission of providing cost-effective, high quality genetic testing for rare diseases," explained Dr. Gallie, an internationally recognized leader in retinoblastoma genetics, biology and clinical care.

About Impact Genetics Inc.

Impact Genetics is committed to providing high quality genetic diagnostics for rare diseases to as many people as possible. Impact's tests improve the health of entire families by:

• identifying members of a family who carry a disease-causing mutation;
• focusing treatment on relatives at risk; and
• eliminating from surveillance relatives who are not at risk.
  
  Quality: Impact Genetics' tests are equal to or exceed the most accurate and sensitive tests available. This is achieved through medical and scientific expert oversight, leading edge technology, continual test refinement and comprehensive reporting.
  Service excellence: Impact Genetics' exceptional service supports referring healthcare professionals and payers and improves outcomes for patients.
  Expertise: Impact focuses on genetic testing for diseases initiated by novel mutations that require a high degree of gene and disease-specific knowledge. For each disease, we collaborate with genetics, medical, scientific and informatics experts, and where consented, provide access to anonymous clinical test data for research and publication.

Impact has been providing clinical genetic testing to patients from 25 countries since 1999 and is the world leader in retinoblastoma genetics.

About Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories

Providing Information.  Impacting Lives.  Caring for People.  By living this mission, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories will achieve its vision of becoming the trusted leader in transforming laboratory information and services into solutions that improve health, wellness and the Canadian health care system.

Gamma-Dynacare is one of Canada's largest and most respected providers of laboratory services and solutions, with more than 50 years of experience serving Canadians.  Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Gamma-Dynacare operates laboratories in Ontario (Brampton, Bowmanville, London, Ottawa and Thunder Bay), Quebec (Saint-Laurent and Laval), Manitoba (Winnipeg) and Alberta (Edmonton).

In addition, Gamma-Dynacare operates more than 200 Patient Services Centres in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Gamma-Dynacare's 2,400 skilled and dedicated employees perform 50 million tests each year, playing a key role in the prevention and diagnosis of disease and the treatment of patients.

SOURCE: Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories

Scott Hickey
Vice-President, Strategic Planning and Corporate Communications
Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories
[phone] or 1-866-790-3515, ext. 5381
[email protected]

Franny Jewett
CEO
Impact Genetics
[phone]  or 1-877-624-9769  ext. 100
[email protected]