Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2008 increased to $31.2 million, compared with $19.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Product revenue from the Oncotype DX(R) breast cancer assay was $30.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 60 percent, compared with $19.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. The net loss in the fourth quarter of 2008 decreased 161 percent to $2.3 million, from $6.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Basic and diluted net loss per share applicable to common stockholders was $0.08 in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with a net loss per share of $0.21 in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Product revenue was $108.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared with $62.7 million in 2007. Contract revenue comprised the balance of total revenue for each of these periods.

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2008 were $56.7 million, compared with $54.4 million at September 30, 2008 and $68.4 million at December 31, 2007.

“The excellent results achieved in 2008 were fueled by the expanded clinical utility of the Oncotype DX breast cancer assay, its inclusion in clinical practice guidelines, and additional reimbursement coverage providing access to Oncotype DX for more than 90 percent of U.S. insured lives,” said Kim Popovits, president and chief executive officer of Genomic Health. “Looking forward, with healthcare reform a major focal point, we believe tests like Oncotype DX will continue to raise the quality of healthcare and demonstrate the economic impact of personalized medicine.”

Additional fourth quarter and year-end 2008 financial results

About 50% of product revenue was recorded on an accrual basis and recognized at the time the test results were delivered during the fourth quarter of 2008, reflecting established payment patterns from payors with coverage policies in place.

Total operating expenses were $33.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with $26.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Included in fourth quarter 2008 operating expenses were non-cash charges of $3.8 million, including $2.4 million of stock-based compensation expense, compared with $1.9 million in the same period in 2007, and $1.4 million of depreciation and amortization expenses, compared with $1.0 million in the same period in 2007.

Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $128.1 million, compared with $93.7 million for the comparable period in 2007. Included in operating expenses were non-cash charges of $14.2 million, including stock-based compensation expense of $9.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2008 compared with $6.3 million for the same period in 2007, and $5.0 million of depreciation and amortization expenses in 2008, compared with $4.0 million in the same period in 2007.

2009 outlook and financial guidance

“In 2009, we intend to continue to make the necessary investments to penetrate the existing breast cancer market, broaden reimbursement to cover node-positive patients, drive international access of Oncotype DX and advance our pipeline, while continuing to move the organization toward profitability,” said Brad Cole, chief operating and financial officer of Genomic Health. “To achieve these goals, we expect that the majority of our anticipated annual net loss will be realized in the first half of the year as we continue to invest in our product pipeline, U.S. sales force expansion and worldwide commercial infrastructure.”