FORM 6-K

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

dated March 27, 2019

 

Commission File Number 0-51504

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

(Exact Name as Specified in its Charter)

 

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s Name)

 

60-66 Hanover Street

Fitzroy

Victoria 3065 Australia

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

Form 20-F  x                              Form 40-F  o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Yes  o                                                                     No  x

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused the Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date:  March 27, 2019

 

 

 

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Paul Viney

 

Name:

 

Paul Viney

 

Title:

 

Company Secretary

 

2

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

99.1

 

ASX and NASDAQ Market Announcement and Media Release, March 27, 2019

 

3

Exhibit 99.1

 ASX and NASDAQ Market Announcement and Media Release 27 March 2019 Genetic Technologies (ASX: GTG; Nasdaq: GENE) Asian operations established in Hainan, China. Highlights Genetic Technologies establishes Asian operations in China. The move into Asia includes the formation of Genetic Technologies HK Limited and Hainan Aocheng Genetic Technologies Co. Ltd. In Hong Kong and Hainan, China respectively Genetic Technologies to gain access to the Chinese health market (1). Genetic Technologies Limited (“Company”), a provider of world-leading genetic risk assessment test products is pleased to announce that it has now established its Asian operations within the Hainan Resort Software Community (“HRSC”) Free Trade Zone. Participants in the Hainan Medical Pilot Zone gain access to the Chinese healthcare market (1). As a part of the HRSC, Genetic Technologies will receive assistance in obtaining China FDA approval for the Company’s new and growing portfolio of genetic risk assessment tests, dramatically fast-tracking the ‘pathway to sales’ process. In addition, as a part of the HRSC, the Company can take advantage of significant tax benefits, subsidies, and facilitated investment. HRSC market entry support includes: Marketing assistance – providing a link with government sectors, hospitals and other Chinese based health enterprises Obtaining test samples to undertake new product development specifically for the Chinese ethnic population Chinese corporate registry support Office space in the Free Trade Zone precinct and complimentary accommodation for GTG staff Provision of a Dedicated HRSC Business Development Director (Mr York Yin) “The Hainan Provincial Government has established a world-class technology zone in Hainan and we are delighted that Genetic Technologies has joined the medical pilot precinct” Mr Yin said. (1) The Chinese Healthcare market has an estimated value in excess of US$925 billion – Statista Statistics Portal 2017. Genetic Technologies Limited60-66 Hanover Street www.gtglabs.com Fitzroy Victoria 3065 info@gtglabs.com Australia ABN 17 009 212 328+61 3 8412 7000

 

 ASX and NASDAQ Market Announcement and Media Release HRSC is owned by China Electronics Corporation (CEC), a State Owned Enterprise of the China Central Government. The Companies approved to operate in China as part of the Hainan Free Trade Zone Initiative can take advantage of significant tax benefits, subsidies and facilitated investment. Dr Paul Kasian, Genetic Technologies’ Chairman and CEO said, “The establishment of operations in Hainan China is a significant step to advance the adoption of genetic risk assessment tests in China and in due course other parts of Asia. We are grateful for the support we have received from HRSC to date and acknowledge their commitment to continue to work with GTG to provide a meaningful contribution to the Healthy China 2030 Policy.” GTG Chairman and CEO, Dr Paul Kasian (front row, 3rd from left) proudly accepting the formal documentation to establish Genetic Technologies’ operations in Hainan, China. The establishment of operations follows on from the formal invitation to GTG from the Hainan Provincial Government (as announced to the market on 14 August 2018). This announcement referred to GTG forming a joint venture with Zishan for its China initiative, however the joint venture approach will not be progressing at this time. Instead, GTG through its 100% owned subsidiary HAGT with work to introduce its world-class genetic risk assessment tests to the Chinese market. Genetic Technologies Limited60-66 Hanover Street www.gtglabs.com Fitzroy Victoria 3065 info@gtglabs.com Australia ABN 17 009 212 328 +61 3 8412 7000

 

TaphperCoopmriaptaenyco’sllmaboovreatiniotno Apsairat,nienrcsluindems tahinelafonrdmCahtiionna.oWf Geehnoeptiec TtheacthnGoTlGog’siegsrHowK iLnimg istueidte(tohfewHoornldg-(m“HedAiGciTnCeLa”)c.tHivAitGieTsC.”L will operate from within the Medical Pilot Zone established in what is known as ASX and NASDAQ Market Announcement and Media Release Dr Kasian said, “This is likely to include partnering with Chinese health and medical distribution companies and CFDA accredited genetic testing laboratory operations. The HRSC Team will help us find Kleoandginhgolgdeinngetcicomripskanaysisnevsesmstmenetnttevsethpicrloed) uanctds Hwaiilnl abneAcoomcheencgenGteranlettioc TCehcihnna’oslofguiteusreCop. rLetvdentative “the Hainan Smart City”, a precinct that already includes many world-renowned technology companies. HRSC is owned by China Electronics Corporation (CEC), a State Owned Enterprise of the China Central Government. Participants in the Hainan Medical Pilot Zone gain access to the Chinese healthcare market with an estimated value in excess of US$800B. The Companies approved to operate in China as part of the Hainan Free Trade Zone Initiative can take advantage of significant tax benefits, subsidies and facilitated investment. Dr Paul Kasian, Genetic Technologies’ Chairman and CEO said, “The establishment of operations in Hainan China is a significant step to advance the adoption of genetic risk assessment tests in China and in due course other parts of Asia. We are grateful for the support we have received from HRSC to date and acknowledge their commitment to continue to work with GTG to provide a meaningful contribution to the Healthy China 2030 Policy.” Genetic Technologies Limited60-66 Hanover Street www.gtglabs.com Fitzroy Victoria 3065 info@gtglabs.com Australia ABN 17 009 212 328 +61 3 8412 7000

 

 ASX and NASDAQ Market Announcement and Media Release FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Dr Paul Kasian Mr Paul Viney Chairman and CEO COO, CFO and Company Secretary Genetic Technologies Genetic Technologies +61 3 8412 7000 +61 438 072 616 Investor Relations and Media (Australia) Ms Karinza Phoenix StocksDigital +61 428 981 074 karinza@stocksdigital Investor Relations and Media (US) Mr Dave Gentry RedChip Office: 1 800 RED CHIP (733 2447) Cell: 407 491 4498 dave@redchip.com About Genetic Technologies Limited Genetic Technologies Limited (ASX: GTG; Nasdaq: GENE) is a diversified molecular diagnostics company. GTG offers cancer predictive testing and assessment tools to help physicians proactively manage patient health. The Company’s lead product, BREVAGenplus®, is a clinically validated risk assessment test for non-hereditary breast cancer and is first in its class. For more information, please visit www.brevagenplus.com and www.phenogensciences.com. Genetic Technologies is developing a pipeline of risk assessment products including a novel colorectal cancer (CRC) test. For more information, please visit www.gtgcorporate.com Safe Harbor Statement Any statements in this press release that relate to the Company's expectations are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees. Since this information may involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from expected results. Additional risks associated with Genetic Technologies' business can be found in its periodic filings with the SEC. Genetic Technologies Limited60-66 Hanover Street www.gtglabs.com Fitzroy Victoria 3065 info@gtglabs.com Australia ABN 17 009 212 328+61 3 8412 7000