Signal Genetics

About Signal Genetics

Signal Genetics, Inc. operated as a commercial-stage molecular diagnostics company, primarily focusing on providing diagnostic services to guide physicians in the care of cancer patients.

The company was established in January 2010, initially named Myeloma Health LLC. It was founded by Bennett S. LeBow, who served as the Chairman of the Board. In April 2010, the firm secured an exclusive license to the extensive multiple myeloma research conducted at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), which became the foundation for its flagship product. The company rebranded to Signal Genetics LLC in December 2010 and later converted into a Delaware corporation in June 2014, ahead of its initial public offering on the NASDAQ under the ticker SGNL. A key figure in its operations was Samuel D. Riccitelli, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Signal Genetics' core business was centered on providing innovative diagnostic services for personalized medicine. Its main product was the Myeloma Prognostic Risk Signature (MyPRS®) test, a gene expression profiling (GEP) assay designed to assess prognosis and characterize disease progression in patients with multiple myeloma. The company's revenue was generated through these diagnostic services, serving hospitals and physicians. In February 2012, Signal Genetics expanded its oncology pipeline by acquiring ChipDX LLC, a molecular diagnostics company with prognostic tests in development for lung, breast, and colon cancers. This acquisition also brought in ChipDX's founder, Ryan van Laar, Ph.D., as the Head of BioInformatics for Signal.

After reviewing strategic alternatives, Signal Genetics entered into a definitive merger agreement with miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. in October 2016. The merger was completed on February 13, 2017, resulting in Signal Genetics being renamed Miragen Therapeutics, Inc. and subsequently trading under the ticker MGEN. Following the merger, Signal's former stockholders retained approximately 4.8% of the newly combined company, which shifted its focus to developing microRNA-targeted therapies. The corporate headquarters were moved from Carlsbad, California, to Boulder, Colorado, and the Signal Genetics leadership team resigned, with miRagen's executive team taking over.