NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held provider of life science tools for translational research and developer of molecular diagnostic products, today announced the completion of a $15.3 million Series E Preferred Stock issuance. New investors in the transaction included Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital and AllianceBernstein Alternative Investment Management Group.
All previous venture investors in NanoString participated in the financing, including Clarus Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, OVP Venture Partners, GE healthymagination Fund, BioMed Ventures, and Henri Termeer.
The proceeds of the financing will be used to support the expansion of NanoString’s existing life sciences business and its first commercial launch in molecular diagnostics. The company’s life science business provides the nCounter® Analysis System and associated products for research applications such as gene expression, copy number variation and micro RNA analysis. The company’s diagnostics business is focused on the U.S. regulatory process for, and the ex-U.S. launch of, the company’s first molecular diagnostic product, a breast cancer assay based on the PAM50 gene expression signature. This test, which recently received the CE Mark, provides a subtype classification based on the fundamental biology of an individual’s breast tumor (referred to as intrinsic subtyping), as well as a prognostic score that indicates the probability of cancer recurrence over 10 years in post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, early stage breast cancer who have been treated with hormonal therapy. The PAM50 gene signature has not been cleared for marketing in the United States.
“We’re pleased to welcome two new shareholders, and are grateful for the ongoing support from our existing shareholders,” said Brad Gray, President and CEO of NanoString Technologies. “We plan to use these funds to benefit all shareholders by advancing the development and commercialization of our PAM50 breast cancer assay and continuing to invest in building our life sciences business.”
Source: http://www.nanostring.com/