SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM) announced today that the Group for Innovative Cancer Treatment Division of the National Cancer Center in Japan has expanded its clinical research in colorectal cancer using the Hyperion™ Imaging System to study regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation in tumor tissue with the goal of discovering a novel target for immunotherapy.

Globally, colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly occurring cancer in men and the second-most common in women. There were more than 1.8 million new cases worldwide in 2018.

Treg cells, a specialized subpopulation of T cells, are actively engaged in the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis. They are more frequently observed in tumor than in non-tumor tissue and are known to inhibit the development of effective anti-tumor immune responses. The research focused on colorectal cancer at the National Cancer Center’s Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center is under the direction of Hiroyoshi Nishikawa, MD, PhD, Chief, Division of Cancer Immunology.

“The Hyperion Imaging System provides a wealth of information from each tumor tissue sample by simultaneous analysis of up to 37 protein markers, providing a critical capability in our research into a potential therapy for colorectal cancer,” said Nishikawa. “This technology is an extremely valuable tool in our translational research and drug discovery efforts.”

Mass cytometry deeply profiles immune cell phenotypes and function and is the basis of hundreds of peer-reviewed publications documenting research on the frontiers of immunology, immuno-oncology and other realms of health and disease. The Hyperion Imaging System extends the use of mass cytometry technology and is revolutionizing high-multiplex tissue analysis by deeply characterizing the tumor microenvironment with an efficient one-scan workflow.

“The National Cancer Center has chosen the Hyperion Imaging System to deeply interrogate tissue samples for critical immuno-oncology work, and we are truly excited that our technology is supporting research toward a potential future therapy for a disease as globally prevalent as colorectal cancer,” said Chris Linthwaite, Fluidigm President and CEO.

“This is yet another example of multisystem placement in premier research centers that utilize our pioneering mass cytometry and Imaging Mass Cytometry™ systems to identify meaningful biomarkers and accelerate development of more impactful  therapies,” Linthwaite said.

National Cancer Center Hospital provides world-class medical treatment as a cancer-specialized hospital. As Japan's leading hospital for cancer treatment, it conducts high-quality clinical research and studies for the next era of treatment development.

About Fluidigm
Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) is an industry-leading biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight. We focus on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy. Using proprietary CyTOF® and microfluidics technologies, we develop, manufacture, and market multi-omic solutions to drive meaningful insights in health and disease, identify biomarkers to inform decisions, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies. Our customers are leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and plant and animal research laboratories worldwide. Together with them, we strive to increase the quality of life for all. For more information, visit fluidigm.com.

Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, CyTOF, Hyperion, and Imaging Mass Cytometry are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Forward-Looking Statement for Fluidigm
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of newly introduced products and the growth and potential of immune profiling. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to risks relating to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; and competition. Information on these and additional risks and uncertainties and other information affecting Fluidigm business and operating results is contained in Fluidigm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

Contacts:

Media:
Michaeline Bunting
Senior Director, Marketing
650 737 4190
michaeline.bunting@fluidigm.com

Investors:
Agnes Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
650 416 7423
agnes.lee@fluidigm.com

Source: Fluidigm Corporation