CombiMatrix Announces Launch of Human Toxicology Expression Array

Acacia Research Corporation announced  that its CombiMatrix group has made available to researchers its new CustomArray(TM) Human Toxicology Array. This array will provide researchers a powerful tool for detcting changes in gene expression indicative of a toxic or stress-related response.

The majority of drugs in development fail to reach human clinical trials due to poor toxicology, and the majority of those that fail in clinical trials do so due to poor toxicology results. In addition, hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide die each year from toxic responses to existing drugs or combinations of drugs. A tool which enables a better understanding of toxicology will facilitate the development of less toxic drugs in general, and will also enable the prescription of less toxic drugs for individual patients.

CombiMatrix’s Human Drug Toxicology Array utilizes the most recent information regarding genes that are relevant to the study of toxicology. The Human Toxicology Array contains over 12,000 probes to genes that were selected from the scientific literature and public databases. The chip design will be improved and updated periodically with CombiMatrix’s flexible CustomArray technology. The comprehensive gene list includes stress response genes, metabolism genes, genes involved in DNA damage repair, apoptosis, cell-cycle regulation, signal transduction, acute phase genes, stress response genes, growth factors, nuclear receptors and transcription factors.

“Our Toxicology Array along with our Metabolism Array are a set of tools which can facilitate better drug development,” stated Dr. Amit Kumar, President and CEO of CombiMatrix. “CombiMatrix’s microarray technology enables very rapid design and fabrication of new types of arrays, and we are pleased to be able to rapidly introduce a series of new arrays for specific types of pharmaceutical research.”

ABOUT CUSTOMARRAY(TM)

CustomArrays(TM) are semiconductor-based arrays (approx. 1 cm2) integrated onto a standard 1″ x 3″ slide format. CombiMatrix synthesizes oligonucleotides in situ to build CustomArrays. This revolutionary technology allows CombiMatrix to deliver CustomArrays in days. Sensitivity and performance metrics are available on the company’s main web site and at www.customarray.com .

Researchers can place orders for CustomArray products by contacting CombiMatrix at 800-985-2269 or by accessing CombiMatrix’s order site at www.customarray.com .

ABOUT ACACIA RESEARCH CORPORATION

Acacia Research Corporation comprises two operating groups: Acacia Technologies Group and CombiMatrix Group.

The CombiMatrix group is developing a platform technology to rapidly produce customizable active biochips, which are semiconductor-based tools for use in identifying and determining the roles of genes, gene mutations and proteins. CombiMatrix’s technology has a wide range of applications including DNA synthesis/diagnostics, siRNA synthesis, drug discovery, and immunochemical detection. CombiMatrix provides DNA arrays to researchers under the CustomArray(TM) brand. CombiMatrix’s Express Track(sm) drug discovery program is a systems biology approach, using its technology, to target common viral diseases with siRNA compounds.

The Acacia Technologies Group develops, acquires, and licenses patented technologies. Acacia’s DMT technology, which is supported by 5 U.S. and 31 foreign patents, relates to audio and audio/video transmission and receiving systems commonly known as audio-on-demand, video-on-demand, and audio/video streaming, and is used for distributing digital content via several means including Internet, cable, satellite and wireless systems.

Acacia Research-Acacia Technologies (Nasdaq:ACTG) and Acacia Research-CombiMatrix (Nasdaq:CBMX) are both classes of common stock issued by Acacia Research Corporation and are intended to reflect the performance of the respective operating groups and are not issued by the operating groups.

Information about the Acacia Technologies Group and the CombiMatrix Group is available at www.acaciaresearch.com .

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the economic slowdown affecting technology companies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments and general economic conditions. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent and forthcoming Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, and other SEC filings discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.