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ProPhase Labs Ushers in New Genomics Era with Jason Karkus at the Helm of Nebula Genomics

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ProPhase Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPH) announces that Jason Karkus, known for his success in the Covid testing space, becomes President of Nebula Genomics, a subsidiary of ProPhase. Karkus will focus on expanding the business-to-business operations and direct-to-consumer Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) model. ProPhase's WGS lab, equipped with cutting-edge sequencing platforms, aims to revolutionize the genomics industry. The company's strategic move from Covid testing to advanced WGS is expected to drive growth and shareholder returns.
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The appointment of Jason Karkus as President of Nebula Genomics represents a strategic move by ProPhase Labs to capitalize on the burgeoning genomics market. The shift from a Covid testing focus to Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) indicates a significant pivot in business strategy. The genomics industry is rapidly growing, with a CAGR of 19.5% from 2020 to 2027 and is expected to reach USD 82.6 billion by 2027. This suggests a substantial market opportunity for ProPhase Labs.

Jason Karkus's track record in generating $200 million in revenue through Covid testing ventures suggests he has the capability to drive growth in the WGS segment. The direct-to-consumer genetic testing market is highly competitive, with key players like 23andMe and Ancestry.com. However, ProPhase's emphasis on high-capacity, low-cost WGS technology could disrupt the market, provided they can deliver on their promise of competitive pricing and high-value services. The global scale of their ambitions could open new revenue streams and diversify their market presence.

The financial impact of ProPhase Labs' strategic shift to WGS can be significant, given the high margins associated with genomics services compared to traditional Covid testing. The reported revenue of $200 million from Covid testing indicates a strong financial base to support the initial phases of the WGS venture. The company's investment in state-of-the-art sequencing platforms is indicative of a long-term commitment to the genomics space, which could lead to increased capital expenditures in the short term but has the potential for high returns in the long term.

Investors should monitor the company's ability to leverage its current sequencing capacity and the success of its business-to-business and direct-to-consumer models. The planned launch of a new, lower-cost product in 2024 could be a catalyst for the consumer genetic testing market, potentially impacting the stock positively if the launch is successful and the product is well-received by consumers.

ProPhase Labs' foray into the Whole Genome Sequencing market is a significant development in the biotech industry. WGS is a rapidly advancing field that has applications in personalized medicine, disease prevention and pharmaceutical research. ProPhase's investment in high-capacity sequencing machines could position them as a leader in the WGS space. The ability to offer WGS at a competitive price point could democratize access to genomic data, fostering growth in personalized healthcare solutions.

The company's focus on both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer segments indicates an understanding of the diverse applications of WGS. Their strategy to engage with telemedicine platforms and hospital networks suggests that they are targeting the integration of WGS into standard patient care, which could significantly expand the use of genomic data in clinical settings.

Garden City, NY, Jan. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProPhase Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRPH) (“ProPhase” or the “Company”), a next generation biotech, genomics, therapeutics and diagnostics company, today reported that Jason Karkus, one of the driving forces behind ProPhase Diagnostics, becomes President of Nebula Genomics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ProPhase Labs.

Jason Karkus's remarkable journey at ProPhase Diagnostics is marked by his exemplary leadership and business acumen that led to the successful inception and expansion of the Company's Covid laboratory testing venture, generating an impressive $200 million in revenue during 2021 and 2022. This fiscal achievement fueled ProPhase's growth and strategic acquisition of Nebula Genomics.

In his new role, Karkus aims to amplify the Nebula Genomics business-to-business operations, as well as its exciting direct-to-consumer Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) model. This strategic move is in line with ProPhase's evolution from a high complexity molecular Covid testing laboratory to an advanced WGS pioneer. The Company's state-of-the-art WGS lab, featuring four cutting-edge sequencing platforms, including two high-capacity, low cost, WGS machines, sets a precedent in the United States that the Company believes well positions its WGS lab to revolutionize the genomics industry. As ProPhase focuses on its WGS business lines, Karkus’ leadership, energy and vision are expected to be a driving force.

“ProPhase transformed itself from a supplement manufacturer to a leader in the Covid testing space,” said Ted Karkus, CEO of ProPhase Labs. “Jason was directly responsible for developing and managing all of the major business customers for Covid testing. His expertise in sales as well as his operational coordination with all the other departments in the lab was pivotal in scaling the Covid business.”

“He is already working on multiple opportunities aimed at absorbing a substantial portion of the company’s current sequencing capacity,” Mr. Karkus concluded. 

Jason Karkus added, “The past few months have been a whirlwind of opportunities. We actively participated in two major healthcare and technology conferences and engaged with dozens of prospects who expressed interest in forging large-scale relationships with us. Telemedicine platforms, hospital and physician networks, and other market participants are now considering utilizing WGS as part of their patient care strategy. With our reliable, highly efficient and high-capacity WGS equipment, we believe that we are now able to deliver high-value services at very competitive prices, not only in the U.S. but on a global scale.”

“On the direct-to-consumer front, we are working towards launching a new, lower-cost product in 2024, one that we believe will significantly impact the consumer genetic testing market. To further bolster our efforts, we have recently engaged a top-tier marketing, growth, and branding agency, along with key business and marketing executives who will play pivotal roles in assisting us in the scale out of the business.”

“I am honored to lead Nebula and am eager to collaborate with our team to deliver substantial near and long term returns for our shareholders,” concluded Jason Karkus.

About ProPhase Labs

ProPhase Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRPH) is a next-generation biotech, genomics, therapeutics and diagnostics company. Our goal is to create a healthier world with bold action and the power of insight. We’re revolutionizing healthcare with industry-leading Whole Genome Sequencing solutions, while developing potential game changer diagnostics and therapeutics in the fight against cancer. This includes a potentially life-saving cancer test focused on early detection of esophageal cancer and potential breakthrough cancer therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action. Our world-class CLIA labs and cutting-edge diagnostic technology provide wellness solutions for healthcare providers and consumers. We develop, manufacture, and commercialize health and wellness solutions to enable people to live their best lives. We are committed to executional excellence, smart diversification, and a synergistic, omni-channel approach. ProPhase Labs’ valuable subsidiaries, their synergies, and significant growth underscores our multi-billion-dollar potential.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, this document contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our strategy, plans, objectives and initiatives, including our plans to grow our subsidiaries and build a multi-billion dollar company, our belief that our WGS lab is poised to revolutionize the genomics industry, our expected timeline for launching a new lower-cost direct-to-consumer WGS product, and our belief that such product will significantly impact the consumer genetic testing market. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to our ability to obtain and maintain necessary regulatory approvals, general economic conditions, consumer demand for our products and services, challenges relating to entering into and growing new business lines, the competitive environment, and the risk factors listed from time to time in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any other SEC filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

For more information, visit www.ProPhaseLabs.com.

ProPhase Media Relations and Institutional Investor Contact:

ProPhase Labs, Inc.
267-880-1111
investorrelations@prophaselabs.com

ProPhase Retail Investor Relations Contact:

Renmark Financial Communications
John Boidman
514-939-3989
Jboidman@renmarkfinancial.com

Source: ProPhase Labs, Inc.


FAQ

Who is becoming the President of Nebula Genomics, a subsidiary of ProPhase Labs?

Jason Karkus, known for his success in the Covid testing space, is becoming the President of Nebula Genomics.

What is the ticker symbol for ProPhase Labs?

The ticker symbol for ProPhase Labs is PRPH.

What is the focus of Jason Karkus's new role at Nebula Genomics?

Jason Karkus will focus on expanding the business-to-business operations and direct-to-consumer Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) model at Nebula Genomics.

What is the strategic move of ProPhase Labs mentioned in the press release?

ProPhase Labs is strategically moving from Covid testing to advanced Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to revolutionize the genomics industry.

What is the revenue generated by ProPhase Labs' Covid laboratory testing venture during 2021 and 2022?

ProPhase Labs' Covid laboratory testing venture generated an impressive $200 million in revenue during 2021 and 2022.

What is the main focus of ProPhase Labs as mentioned in the press release?

The main focus of ProPhase Labs is on its advanced Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) business lines.

What are the expectations from Jason Karkus's leadership at Nebula Genomics?

Jason Karkus's leadership is expected to be a driving force in expanding the business-to-business operations and direct-to-consumer Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) model at Nebula Genomics.

What are the plans for the direct-to-consumer front mentioned in the press release?

The company is working towards launching a new, lower-cost product in 2024, which is expected to significantly impact the consumer genetic testing market.

ProPhase Labs, Inc.

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