[October 27, 2016]

Adaptive Biotechnologies Announces the Inclusion of NGS-Based MRD Assessment in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for Multiple Myeloma

Adaptive Biotechnologies, the leader in combining next-generation sequencing (NGS) and expert bioinformatics to profile T- and B-cell receptors of the adaptive immune system, announces that the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) revised their clinical practice guidelines recommending the use of highly sensitive diagnostic tools, including NGS, to assess the presence of measurable residual disease (MRD) in Multiple Myeloma. Results from these new innovative clinical tools can help inform treatment decisions for active symptomatic patients as well as those undergoing maintenance treatment.

These clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of highly sensitive diagnostic tools with the ability to detect at least 1 cell among 100,000 normal cells and advise that testing should occur after each treatment stage (induction, high-dose therapy/ACST, consolidation, and maintenance) at times of suspected complete response. This unanimous recommendation from 27 of the nation's leading experts in the field of Multiple Myeloma treatment and research signals a shift in the management of patients and supports regular assessment of MRD by new validated clinical tools. For more information, go to: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp#myeloma.

"Advanced diagnostic tools are transforming patient management in Multiple Myeloma and other lymphoid malignancies," said C. Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, Chief, Myeloma Service t Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. "Robust new diagnostic tools along with advanced new treatment options are enabling clinicians to respond with the optimal intervention at the right time, which is changing the natural course of this disease."

"The approval of incredible new treatments for blood cancers continues to elevate the need for robust diagnostic tools, and we are excited that the NCCN recognizes the importance of regular MRD assessment throughout the care and management of Multiple Myeloma patients," said Chad Robins, President, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Adaptive Biotechnologies. "Adaptive is highly committed to providing a robust validated assay with the ability to assess levels of residual disease down to 1 cell in 1,000,000 cells using our proprietary clonoSEQ Assay. Making this important clinical tool available to patients around the world is a priority for Adaptive and supports our mission to improve patient care."

About Minimal Residual Disease

Minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) refers to cancer cells that may remain in the body of a person with lymphoid cancer after treatment. These cells can be present at levels undetectable by traditional morphologic, microscopic examination of blood, bone marrow or a lymph node biopsy. Sensitive molecular technologies, such as the next-generation sequencing utilized by the Adaptive Biotechnologies clonoSEQ Assay, are needed for reliable detection of MRD at levels below the limits of traditional assessment.

About the clonoSEQ^® Assay

Adaptive's clonoSEQ Assay enables physicians to utilize next-generation sequencing-based measurable residual disease (MRD) detection to inform clinical decision-making for patients with lymphoid malignancies (blood cancers). With its ability to detect and identify cancer cells at a level as low as one per one million cells, the clonoSEQ Assay is ten to one hundred times more sensitive than other methods of MRD detection, allowing physicians to address possible recurrence earlier. The clonoSEQ Assay provides consistent, accurate results which allow physicians to track specific cancer cell clones over time and optimize treatments for better patient management. Adaptive is currently seeking regulatory review and clearance of the clonoSEQ Assay.

About Adaptive Biotechnologies^®

Adaptive Biotechnologies is the pioneer and leader in combining high-throughput sequencing and expert bioinformatics to profile T-cell and B-cell receptors. Adaptive is bringing the accuracy and sensitivity of its immunosequencing platform into laboratories around the world to drive groundbreaking research in cancer and other immune-mediated diseases. Adaptive also translates immunosequencing discoveries into clinical diagnostics and therapeutic development to improve patient care. For more information, please visit adaptivebiotech.com.

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