FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WaferGen Contacts
510-651-4450

Don Huffman, CFO
don.huffman@wafergen.com

Media: Joyce Strand
joyce.strand@wafergen.com

Investors: Jeff Ramson, ProActive

jramson@proactivecrg.com

646-863-6893

Fremont, Calif., March 12, 2012 – WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB:WGBS), an emerging genomic analysis company, today announced the appointment of Ivan Trifunovich, Ph.D., as President, CEO, and Director of the company. Dr. Trifunovich brings 20 years of life science executive experience to WaferGen.
 
In connection with Dr. Trifunovich’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, the company’s Office of the President no longer holds duties of the principal executive officer. Ms. Mona Chadha will continue as Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, and Mr. Don Huffman will continue as Chief Financial Officer.
 
“Dr. Trifunovich’s leadership positions at several top life science and pharmaceutical companies make him exceptionally well qualified to take the helm of WaferGen,” said Alnoor Shivji, Chairman of the Board. “His experience at genomic analysis companies Third Wave Technologies (now a part of Hologic (Nasdaq:HOLX)) and Helicos Biosciences provides him with in-depth knowledge of our marketplace. His management positions in R&D and sales and marketing at pharmaceutical companies such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Pharmacia, and Bristol-Myers add to the breadth of his insight. He understands the market, the product landscape, and how to succeed – from strategy, to planning, to implementation.
 
“I would also like to thank Mona and Don for their significant contributions during the transition period and CEO search process. They ensured that our platform continued to develop rapidly and helped to propel forward a pipeline of promising applications.”
 
“I am excited to take the leadership role at WaferGen, whose SmartChip System is a superb technology platform addressing multiple high value applications,” said Dr. Trifunovich. “As the use of next generation sequencing rapidly grows, the SmartChip System is well positioned for downstream validation of genome-wide association studies all the way to molecular diagnostics. We will focus on creating maximum value by leveraging the SmartChip platform’s flexibility and throughput in well-defined applications with high market potential. It will be a pleasure to work with the WaferGen team, with its experienced Board of Directors led by enormously successful serial entrepreneur Alnoor Shivji, and the world class Scientific Advisory Board.”
 
Ivan Trifunovich, Ph.D., is an established leader in the healthcare and life science industries, where he has held a number of executive positions and served as a strategic consultant to global multi-national companies. Currently, he is serving as Executive Chairman, President and CEO of Helicos Biosciences (OTCQB: HLCS.PK) and will continue to serve in that role following his appointment as President, CEO and Director of WaferGen. Previously, Dr. Trifunovich served as the Senior Vice President of Third Wave Technologies, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, from December 2001 through August 2008. Prior to joining Third Wave Technologies, Inc., Dr. Trifunovich held successive positions of increasing responsibility in sales and marketing and R&D with large pharmaceutical companies. During his tenure in large pharma, he was the named inventor on multiple patents related to the semi-synthesis of TAXOL(R). Dr. Trifunovich received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at UCLA and an M.B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
 
 
About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System
WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. is an emerging genomic analysis company in the early stage of commercialization. The company offers the transformative SmartChip Real-Time PCR System—a next-generation Real-Time PCR System for profiling and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The SmartChip System provides a range of high-throughput capabilities including microRNA and mRNA gene expression profiling and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. WaferGen also offers Quick-Turnaround SmartChip Custom (user-defined) Panels to enable validation studies of specific genes of interest through customization of high-throughput, real-time PCR SmartChip assay panels.
 
In addition, the Company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com
 
 
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. Such statements include statements relating to the contributions of Ivan Trifunovich as President, CEO and Director, statements relating to the expected throughput levels of the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, and other statements relating to future events are not historical facts, including statements which may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words.
 
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that: (i) the company may be unsuccessful in commercially developing its products or in achieving market acceptance of new and relatively unproven technologies; (ii) the company may need to raise additional capital to meet its business requirements in the future and the company may not be able to do so on reasonable terms or at all; (iii) the company’s proprietary intellectual property rights may not adequately protect its products and technologies; and (iv) the company expects intense competition in its target markets, including from companies that have much greater resources than the company, and there can be no assurance that the company will be able to compete effectively. More detailed information about the company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011. Security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WaferGen Contacts
510-651-4450

Don Huffman, CFO
don.huffman@wafergen.com

Media: Joyce Strand
joyce.strand@wafergen.com

Investors: Jeff Ransom, ProActive
jramson@proactivecrg.com
646-863-6893

Fremont, Calif., February 9, 2012 – WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB:WGBS), an emerging genomic analysis company, today announced that the company will deliver its corporate presentation at the 14th Annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference, February 13 and 14, 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria, New York, NY.
 
WaferGen’s presentation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday, February 13, 2012. The presentation will be Webcast live and may be accessed at www.wafergen.com. It will be available for 90 days.
 
 
About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System
WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., an emerging genomic analysis company in the early stage of commercialization, develops products to address key unmet needs in large and growing markets in disease research and personalized medicine. The company offers the transformative SmartChip Real-Time PCR System—a next-generation Real-Time PCR system for profiling and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The company believes that the capability of the SmartChip platform to accurately make qualitative and quantitative genome measurements is an integral tool in enabling researchers to verify the results coming from next-generation sequencers. Once verified, this content creates a larger, longer-term opportunity for WaferGen as it significantly increases the ability of researchers to validate high value genomic targets for their ultimate use in developing new/improved drugs and diagnostic tests.
 
In addition, the Company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WaferGen Contacts
510-651-4450

Don Huffman, CFO
don.huffman@wafergen.com

Media: Joyce Strand
joyce.strand@wafergen.com

Fremont, Calif., January 18, 2012 – WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB:WGBS), an emerging genomic analysis company, today announced that Scott R. Davidson and Joseph F. Pesce, CPA, have joined the company’s Board of Directors.
 
Scott R. Davidson currently serves as Managing Director at Great Point Partners, Greenwich, CT. As part of his investment functions, he leads Great Point Partners’ medical devices and diagnostics investing efforts. Prior to joining Great Point, he served in various capacities at Piper Jaffray & Co.; Bear, Stearns & Co.; Robertson Stephens & Co.; and Canaan Partners. He holds an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar.
 
Joseph F. Pesce has been a Managing Director and Operating Partner of Great Point Partners, LLC since January 1, 2011. Previously, he was the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Thomas H. Lee Partners, whom he joined in 2001, and where he was promoted to Managing Director and Chief of Operations in 2006. Most recently, he has served as that firm’s Chief Risk Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Pesce spent over 25 years in senior financial positions in high technology, healthcare and consulting services companies. Mr. Pesce received an A.B. in Mathematics with honors from Boston College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and Financial Executives International.
 
 
About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System
WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., an emerging genomic analysis company in the early stage of commercialization, offers the transformative SmartChip Real-Time PCR System—a next-generation Real-Time PCR system for profiling and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The SmartChip System provides a range of high-throughput capabilities including microRNA and mRNA gene expression profiling and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. WaferGen also offers Quick-Turnaround SmartChip Custom (User-Defined) Panels to enable validation studies of specific genes of interest through customization of high-throughput, real-time PCR SmartChip assay panels—all on a quick-turnaround basis.
 
In addition, the Company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com
 
 
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements”. Such statements include statements relating to the contributions of Scott R. Davidson and Joseph Pesce, CPA, statements relating to the expected throughput levels of the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, and other statements relating to future events are not historical facts, including statements which may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words.
 
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that: (i) the company may be unsuccessful in commercially developing its products or in achieving market acceptance of new and relatively unproven technologies; (ii) the company may need to raise additional capital to meet its business requirements in the future and the company may not be able to do so on reasonable terms or at all; (iii) the company’s proprietary intellectual property rights may not adequately protect its products and technologies; and (iv) the company expects intense competition in its target markets, including from companies that have much greater resources than the company, and there can be no assurance that the company will be able to compete effectively. More detailed information about the company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011. Security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WaferGen Contacts
510-651-4450

Don Huffman, CFO
don.huffman@wafergen.com

Media: Joyce Strand
joyce.strand@wafergen.com

Investors:
Jeff Ramson
212-792-4321
jramson@proactivecrg.com

Tim Ryan
212-242-7777
tryan@shorehamgroupllc.com

Fremont, Calif., January 5, 2012 – WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB:WGBS), an emerging genomic analysis company, today announced that the company plans to deliver its corporate presentation at the 5^th Annual OneMedForum San Francisco 2012, at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco, Calif., January 9-12, 2012.

The company is scheduled to present on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.  The presentation will be available live and for replay at the company’s website at www.wafergen.com.

For more information about the conference, go to www.onemedplace.com/forum/.

About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System

WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., an emerging genomic analysis company in the early stage of commercialization, offers the transformative SmartChip Real-Time PCR System—a next-generation Real-Time PCR System for profiling and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The SmartChip System provides a range of high-throughput capabilities including microRNA and mRNA gene expression profiling and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. WaferGen also offers Quick-Turnaround SmartChip Custom (User-Defined) Panels to enable validation studies of specific genes of interest through customization of high-throughput, real-time PCR SmartChip assay panels—all on a quick-turnaround basis.

In addition, the Company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com

Don Huffman or Joyce Strand

510-651-4450

Fremont, Calif., December 8, 2011 – WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB:WGBS), an emerging genomic analysis company, today announced that the company plans to deliver its corporate presentation at the Oppenheimer 22^nd Annual Healthcare Conference at the Waldorf-Astoria, New York, NY, December 13-14, 2011.

The Company is scheduled to present on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 from 3:35-3:50 p.m. Eastern Time.  The presentation will be webcast live and will be available for replay at the Company’s website at www.wafergen.com.

For more information about the conference, go to http://www.opco.com/conferences/healthcare11/index.html

About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System

WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., an emerging genomic analysis company in the early stage of commercialization, offers the transformative SmartChip Real-Time PCR System—a next-generation Real-Time PCR System for profiling and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The SmartChip System provides a range of high-throughput capabilities including microRNA and mRNA gene expression profiling and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. WaferGen also offers Quick-Turnaround SmartChip Custom (User-Defined) Panels to enable validation studies of specific genes of interest through customization of high-throughput, real-time PCR SmartChip assay panels—all on a quick-turnaround basis.

In addition, the Company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com

Don Huffman or Joyce Strand

510-651-4450

Fremont, Calif., November 21, 2011 – WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTCBB:WGBS), an emerging genomic analysis company, today reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and announced a revised plan to commercialize and increase adoption of its SmartChip System.

“During the third quarter of 2011 we implemented a new commercial strategy to address the rapidly changing needs of the Life Sciences Research Market and to better anticipate future needs of researchers.  We have decided to invest significantly in scientific resources focused on a strategy to engage an array of key opinion leaders in our target market, enabling the profiling and validation of high-value genomic targets,” said Mona Chadha, WaferGen’s Chief Operating Officer.

“With the advent of next-generation sequencing into the life science marketplace in 2007, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of genomic content that is available to researchers beyond what other genomic technologies have generated.  However, there is an equally dramatic and rapidly growing unmet need to validate and confirm the results of this sequencing information to find clinically relevant biomarkers.  In particular, the data from RNAseq experiments, in which researchers are quantifying gene expression levels, is well suited to the high throughput validation of the SmartChip platform.  This ability to accurately make quantitative genome measurements is an integral tool in enabling researchers to verify the results coming from next-generation sequencers.  Once verified, this content creates a larger, longer term opportunity for the Company as it significantly increases the ability of researchers to validate high value genomic targets for their ultimate use in developing new/improved drugs and diagnostic tests.”

“Using the SmartChip platform, we can study many genes simultaneously on multiple samples with a single chip to test the signature of interest.  This should enable greater accuracy for discovery of biomarkers and decreased time to results,” said Professor Jo Vandesompele, a professor in functional cancer genomics and applied bio-informatics at Belgium’s Ghent University and recognized leader in the field of qPCR.

WaferGen’s new strategy and organization changes will result in a reduction of approximately 24% of the Company’s total workforce, which represents a $1.3 million annual reduction in operating expenses. The Company will take a one-time charge related to the reduction in force of approximately $400,000 in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Revenue

Revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011 was $89,000 compared to $633,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.  Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $485,000 compared to $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease is primarily due to decreases in sales of SmartChip Real-Time PCR Systems, Real-Time PCR Chip panels and Fee-for-Service, as well as first quarter sales of SmartSlide™ products (which the Company no longer markets).

Net Income/Loss

WaferGen reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $3.2 million, or $0.08 per share (basic), $0.03 per share (diluted) for the third quarter of 2011, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $5.7 million, or $(0.14) per share (basic and diluted) for third quarter 2010.  The Company reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $19.2 million, or $(0.46) per share (basic and diluted), compared to a loss attributable to common stockholders of $9.7 million, or $(0.27) (basic and diluted) for the same period in 2010.  The net loss attributable to common stockholders for the first nine months of 2011 includes non-cash charges to net income totaling $5.7 million resulting from new accounting entries related to the closing of the $30.6 million financing.

The net gain for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and the net loss for the first nine months 2011 were impacted by derivative revaluations.  The net gains from derivative revaluations of warrants and the conversion element of convertible promissory notes during the three months ended September 30, 2011 were $1.1 million and $7.5 million, respectively. These compare to a loss of $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010, from warrant derivative revaluations; there were no convertible promissory notes in 2010.  The net gains from derivative revaluations during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, were $1.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively, offset by other non-cash charges to net income totaling $11.6 million resulting from new accounting entries for the closing of the $30.6 million financing.  These compare to a gain of $15,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from warrant derivative revaluations; there were no convertible promissory notes in 2010.  These gains and losses result primarily from a net decrease or increase in the Company’s stock price in the period.  These derivative liabilities are also decreasing as the remaining terms of the warrants and convertible promissory notes diminish.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the third quarter ending September 30, 2011 were $4.1 million compared to $3.9 million for the same quarter in 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011, the total operating expenses were $13.3 million compared to $9.9 million in 2010.

Sales and marketing expenses increased to $914,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $653,000 in the same period of 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011, sales and marketing expenses increased to $2.6 million compared to $1.4 million in the first nine months of 2010.

Research and development expenses decreased to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011, research and development expenses increased to $6.0 million compared to $5.1 million in the first nine months of 2010.

General and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2010.  For the first nine months of 2011, general and administrative expenses were $4.7 million compared to $3.5 million for 2010.

Assets

WaferGen ended the third quarter 2011 with approximately $19.8 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to $2.2 million as of December 31, 2010. The increase in cash is due to the completion of a May 2011 private placement financing of $30.6 million in equity and debt with three leading institutional life science investors and certain members of the Board of Directors and management.

About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System

WaferGen Biosystems, Inc., an emerging genomic analysis company in the early stage of commercialization, offers the transformative SmartChip Real-Time PCR System—a next-generation Real-Time PCR System for profiling and validation of gene expression patterns (biomarkers) on a single platform. The SmartChip System provides a range of high-throughput capabilities including microRNA and mRNA gene expression profiling and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. WaferGen also offers Quick-Turnaround SmartChip Custom (User-Defined) Panels to enable validation studies of specific genes of interest through customization of high-throughput, real-time PCR SmartChip assay panels—all on a quick-turnaround basis.

In addition, the Company offers an innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling using the SmartChip System. For additional information, please see http://www.wafergen.com

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements”.  Such statements include statements relating to the expected benefit to the Company of its new commercialization strategy, the expected benefits to researchers of using the SmartChip platform, the expected amount of reduction in operating expenses to be achieved as a result of organizational changes, and other statements relating to future events are not historical facts, including statements which may be preceded by the words “will,” “believes” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2011. Security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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]]> http://www.wafergen.com/2011/11/21/wafergen-reports-third-quarter-2011-financial-results-and-annouces-new-commercialization-strateg/feed/ 0 http://www.wafergen.com/2011/11/16/jan-9-12-2012/ http://www.wafergen.com/2011/11/16/jan-9-12-2012/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:39:23 +0000 rmercado http://www.wafergen.com/2011/11/16/jan-9-12-2012/ OneMedForum San Francisco 2012
San Francisco, CA