SAN DIEGO, Dec. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionano Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNGO) announced that its Saphyr System for optical genome mapping is being introduced as a novel diagnostic tool for heme malignancies by Dr. Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna of the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). With more than 18,000 members from nearly 100 countries, the ASH is the world's largest professional society serving both clinicians and scientists around the world who are working to conquer blood diseases. The annual meeting is being held virtually at hematology.org from December 5-8.

Preceding the annual meeting are a number of scientific workshops which are focused on novel technologies and applications and teaching hematologists about novel and emerging methods in molecular pathology. For the first time, this year Bionano optical genome mapping will be introduced in the session on Novel Diagnostic Genomic Tools by Dr. Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna, Director of the microarray facility in the molecular diagnostic lab of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Kanagal-Shamanna will be presenting her work on characterizing the performance and clinical value of Saphyr in patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a common hematologic malignancy.

In the scientific section on Emerging Diagnostic Tools and Techniques, Dr. Barbara Dewaele from the Center for Human Genetics at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium, will present for the first time on a significant validation study of Saphyr for the genetic diagnosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Below are details on the presentations at ASH 2020 featuring the use of Bionano’s optical genome mapping technology:

Scientific Workshop at ASH 2020 – Novel Diagnostic Genomic Tools and Technologies
1748-1753 – Optical Mapping for Detection of Genomic Abnormalities in Hematologic Malignancies
Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tx, USA
Thursday, December 3, 2:45 pm - 3:24 pm

Session: 803. Emerging Diagnostic Tools and Techniques
1557 – Opportunities of Genome Imaging for Genetic Diagnosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Barbara Dewaele, Center for Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
Saturday, December 5, 2020, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

About Bionano Genomics
Bionano is a genome analysis company providing tools and services based on its Saphyr system to scientists and clinicians conducting genetic research and patient testing, and providing diagnostic testing for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities through its Lineagen business. Bionano’s Saphyr system is a platform for ultra-sensitive and ultra-specific structural variation detection that enables researchers and clinicians to accelerate the search for new diagnostics and therapeutic targets and to streamline the study of changes in chromosomes, which is known as cytogenetics. The Saphyr system is comprised of an instrument, chip consumables, reagents and a suite of data analysis tools, and genome analysis services to provide access to data generated by the Saphyr system for researchers who prefer not to adopt the Saphyr system in their labs. Lineagen has been providing genetic testing services to families and their healthcare providers for over nine years and has performed over 65,000 tests for those with neurodevelopmental concerns. For more information, visit www.bionanogenomics.com or www.lineagen.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: the timing and content of the presentations identified in this press release; the effectiveness and utility of Bionano’s technology in basic genetic research and clinical settings, and in the contexts contemplated by the presentations identified in this press release; and Bionano’s strategic plans. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape and the introduction of competitive products; changes in our strategic and commercial plans; our ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund our strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the ability of medical and research institutions to obtain funding to support adoption or continued use of our technologies; the loss of key members of management and our commercial team; and the risks and uncertainties associated with our business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in other filings subsequently made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

CONTACTS
Company Contact:
Erik Holmlin, CEO
Bionano Genomics, Inc.
+1 (858) 888-7610
eholmlin@bionanogenomics.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Ashley R. Robinson
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
+1 (617) 430-7577
arr@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact:
Darren Opland, PhD
LifeSci Communications
+1 (617) 733-7668
darren@lifescicomms.com