2008-08-20 21:05:12 -

www.signaturegenomics.com - Signature Genomic Laboratories was named to Inc. magazine's "Inc. 5000" list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. The Spokane-based company, which provides microarray-based diagnostic genetic testing for individuals with mental retardation/developmental delay, autism and birth defects, was ranked 114 overall and 5th in the Health sector, with 1,766.4% three-year growth from 2004

to 2007. Signature was ranked 1st overall in Spokane and 4th in the state of Washington.

Commented Lisa G. Shaffer, Ph.D., President and CEO of Signature, "We are honored to be recognized for our well-planned strategic growth, which we have accomplished while maintaining the level of personal service and technical expertise on which our reputation was built."

The 2008 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2004 through 2007. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based and privately held, for profit, independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2007, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2004, and $2 million in 2007.

Founded by Drs. Lisa G. Shaffer, Ph.D. and Bassem A. Bejjani, M.D. in 2003, Signature was the first laboratory to provide microarray-based diagnostic testing of individuals with mental retardation and birth defects with its proprietary SignatureChip(R). Opening its doors with three employees, Signature began offering testing in March of 2004, and by August of that year was making a profit. In 2006, Signature posted over $9 million in revenue; the company posted $13.5 million in revenue in 2007. In 2007, Signature began offering research-use-only microarrays for sale to laboratories for in-house use. In 2007, Ampersand Ventures, a private equity firm focusing on investments in the health care and industrial technology sectors, and in 2008 jVen Capital, a life sciences investment company with a focus in the areas of biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical devices, acquired stakes in Signature. In June, Signature relocated to a new 18,000-square-foot facility in north Spokane; the new headquarters provides the wet-laboratory and administrative space necessary to accommodate Signature's rapid growth. Signature now has 76 employees and has processed over 25,000 cases since its inception.

"Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism," said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. "The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth."

"It's the first time in my life I've ever received thank-you notes from families because we are able to give them answers," said Shaffer. "We're truly making a difference in their lives."

Signature Genomic Laboratories
Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, President/CEO
509-944-4219
shaffer@signaturegenomics.com
www.signaturegenomics.com