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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

Commission File Number:  000-32179

EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(608) 284-5700 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  x  No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  o  No  x

As of May 2, 2012, the registrant had 57,141,155 shares of common stock outstanding.

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EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

INDEX

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Part I — Financial Information

EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

Condensed Balance Sheets

(Amounts in thousands, except share data - unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

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EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

Condensed Statements of Operations

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data - unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

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EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

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EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in thousands, except share data - unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

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EXACT SCIENCES CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

(1) ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organization

Exact Sciences Corporation (“Exact,” “we,” “us” or the “Company”) was incorporated in February 1995. Exact is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. The Company’s non-invasive stool-based DNA (sDNA) screening technology includes proprietary and patented methods that isolate and analyze human DNA present in stool to screen for the presence of colorectal pre-cancer and cancer.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements of the Company are unaudited and have been prepared on a basis substantially consistent with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. These condensed financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and follow the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of adjustments of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations have been included. The results of the Company’s operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of the Company’s operations for any other interim period or for a full fiscal year. The statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Form 10-K”).

(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash on hand, demand deposits in bank, money market funds, and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company had no restricted cash at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Marketable Securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. Debt securities carried at amortized cost are classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Marketable equity securities and debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in other comprehensive income. The amortized cost of debt securities in this category is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity computed under the straight-line method. Such amortization is included in investment income. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income.

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At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s investments were comprised of fixed income investments and all were deemed available-for-sale. The objectives of the Company’s investment strategy are to provide liquidity and safety of principal while striving to achieve the highest rate of return consistent with these two objectives.  The Company’s investment policy limits investments to certain types of instruments issued by institutions with investment grade credit ratings and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by type and issuer. All of the Company’s investments are considered current. There were no realized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Realized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $477.  Realized gains for the three months ended March, 31, 2012 were $2,528. There were no realized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Unrealized gains or losses on investments are recorded in other comprehensive income.

Available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2012 consist of the following:

Available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2011 consist of the following:

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Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per common share was determined by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period.  Basic and diluted net loss per share is the same because all outstanding common stock equivalents have been excluded, as they are anti-dilutive as a result of the Company’s losses.

The following potentially issuable common shares were not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share because they would have an anti-dilutive effect due to net losses for each period:

(1)      At March 31, 2012, represents warrants to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock issued under a licensing agreement and warrants to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock issued under a consulting agreement.  At March 31, 2011, represents warrants to purchase 750,000 shares of common stock issued under a licensing agreement and warrants to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock issued under a consulting agreement.

Revenue Recognition

License fees.  License fees for the licensing of product rights are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt of cash and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the license period. As more fully described in the 2011 Form 10-K, in connection with our January 2009 strategic transaction with Genzyme Corporation, Genzyme agreed to pay us a total of $18.5 million, of which $16.65 million was paid on January 27, 2009 and $1.85 million was subject to a holdback by Genzyme to satisfy certain potential indemnification obligations in exchange for the assignment and licensing of certain intellectual property to Genzyme. The Company’s on-going performance obligations to Genzyme under the Collaboration, License and Purchase Agreement (the “CLP Agreement”), as described below, including its obligation to deliver through licenses certain intellectual property improvements to Genzyme, if improvements are made during the initial five-year collaboration period, were deemed to be undelivered elements of the CLP Agreement on the date of closing. Accordingly, the Company deferred the initial $16.65 million in cash received at closing and is amortizing that up-front payment on a straight-line basis into revenue over the initial five-year collaboration period ending in January 2014. The Company received the first holdback amount of $962,000, which included accrued interest due, from Genzyme during the first quarter of 2010. The Company received the second holdback amount of $934,250 which included accrued interest due, from Genzyme during the third quarter of 2010.  The amounts were deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis into revenue over the remaining term of the collaboration at the time of receipt.

In addition, Genzyme purchased 3,000,000 shares of common stock from the Company on January 27, 2009 for $2.00 per share, representing a premium of $0.51 per share above the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date of $1.49 per share. The aggregate premium paid by Genzyme over the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the transaction of $1.53 million is deemed to be a part of the total consideration for the CLP Agreement. Accordingly, the Company deferred the aggregate $1.53 million premium and is amortizing that amount on a straight-line basis into revenue over the initial five-year collaboration period ending in January 2014.

The Company recognized approximately $1.0 million in license fee revenue in connection with the amortization of the up-front payments from Genzyme, during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011.

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(3) MAYO LICENSING AGREEMENT

Overview

On June 11, 2009, the Company entered into a license agreement (the “License Agreement”) with MAYO Foundation for Medical Education and Research (“MAYO”). Under the License Agreement, MAYO granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide license within the field (the “Field”) of stool or blood based cancer diagnostics and screening (excluding a specified proteomic target) with regard to certain MAYO patents, and a non-exclusive worldwide license within the Field with regard to certain MAYO know-how. The licensed patents cover advances in sample processing, analytical testing and data analysis associated with non-invasive, stool-based DNA screening for colorectal cancer. Under the License Agreement, the Company assumes the obligation and expense of prosecuting and maintaining the licensed patents and is obligated to make commercially reasonable efforts to bring products covered by the licenses to market. Pursuant to the License Agreement, the Company granted MAYO two common stock purchase warrants with an exercise price of $1.90 per share covering 1,000,000 and 250,000 shares of common stock, respectively. The Company is also required to make payments to MAYO for up-front fees, fees once certain milestones are reached by the Company, and other payments as outlined in the agreement. In addition to the license to intellectual property owned by MAYO, the Company will receive product development and research and development efforts from MAYO personnel. The Company determined that the payments made for intellectual property should not be capitalized as the future economic benefit derived from the transactions is uncertain. The Company is also liable to make royalty payments to MAYO on potential future net sales of any products developed from the licensed technology.

Warrants

The warrants granted to MAYO were valued based on a Black-Scholes pricing model at the date of the grant. The warrants were granted with an exercise price of $1.90 per share of common stock. The grant to purchase 1,000,000 shares was immediately exercisable and the grant to purchase 250,000 shares vests and becomes exercisable over a four year period. The total value of the warrants was calculated to be $2.1 million and a non-cash charge of $1.7 million was recognized as research and development expense in the second quarter of 2009 and the remaining $0.4 million non-cash charge is being recognized straight-line over the four year vesting period.

In March of 2010, MAYO partially exercised its warrant covering 1,000,000 shares by utilizing the cashless exercise provision contained in the warrant.  As a result of this exercise for a gross amount of 200,000 shares, in lieu of paying a cash exercise price, MAYO forfeited its rights with respect to 86,596 shares leaving it with a net amount of 113,404 shares.

In September of 2010, MAYO partially exercised this warrant by utilizing the cashless exercise provision contained in the warrant.  As a result of this exercise for a gross amount of 300,000 shares, in lieu of paying a cash exercise price, MAYO forfeited its rights with respect to 97,853 shares leaving it with a net amount of 202,147 shares.

In June of 2011, MAYO partially exercised this warrant by utilizing the cashless exercise provision contained in the warrant. As a result of this exercise for a gross amount of 250,000 shares, in lieu of paying a cash exercise price, MAYO forfeited its rights with respect to 60,246 shares leaving it with a net amount of 189,754 shares.

In September 2011, MAYO partially exercised this warrant by utilizing the cashless exercise provision contained in the warrant. As a result of this exercise for a gross amount of 250,000 shares, in lieu of paying a cash exercise price, MAYO forfeited its right with respect to 56,641 shares leaving it with a net amount of 193,359 shares. Following this exercise, the warrant covering 1,000,000 shares was fully exercised.

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Royalty Payments

The Company will make royalty payments to MAYO based on a percentage of net sales of products developed from the licensed technology starting in the third year of the agreement.  Minimum royalty payments will be $10,000 in 2012 and $25,000 per year thereafter through 2029, the year the last patent expires.

Other Payments

Other payments under the MAYO agreement include an upfront payment of $80,000, a milestone payment of $250,000 on the commencement of patient enrollment in FDA trials for the Company’s Cologuard pre-cancer and cancer screening test, and a $500,000 payment upon FDA approval of the Company’s Cologuard test.  The upfront payment of $80,000 was made in the third quarter of 2009 and expensed to research and development in the second quarter of 2009. The Company began enrollment in its FDA trial in June of 2011 and the milestone payment of $250,000 was made in June of 2011.  It is uncertain as to when the FDA will approve the Company’s Cologuard test. Therefore, the $500,000 milestone payment has not been recorded as a liability. The Company periodically evaluates the status of the FDA trial.

In addition, the Company is making payments to MAYO for research and development efforts.  During the three months ended March 2012, the Company made payments of $0.2 million and at March 31, 2012 the Company recorded an estimated liability in the amount of $0.1million for research and development efforts.  During the three months ended March 2011, the Company made payments of $0.5 million and at March 31, 2011 the Company recorded an estimated liability in the amount of $0.2 million for research and development efforts.

(4) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The Company maintains the 2010 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan, the 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the 2000 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and the 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (collectively, the “Stock Plans”).

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The Company recorded $1.0 million in stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2012 in connection with the amortization of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, stock purchase rights granted under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan and stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors.  The Company recorded $0.7 million in stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2011 in connection with the amortization of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, stock purchase rights granted under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan and stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors.

Determining Fair Value

Valuation and Recognition - The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions in the table below.  The estimated fair value of employee stock options is recognized to expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period.

Expected Term - The Company uses the simplified calculation of expected life, described in the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletins 107 and 110, as the Company does not currently have sufficient historical exercise data on which to base an estimate of expected life.  Using this method, the expected life is determined using the average of the vesting period and the contractual life of the stock options granted.

Expected Volatility - Expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical stock volatility data over the expected term of the awards.

Risk-Free Interest Rate - The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation method on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent expected term.

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Forfeitures - The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.  A forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates.

The fair value of each restricted stock and restricted stock unit award is determined on the date of grant using the closing stock price on that day. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions in the following table.

(1)      The Company did not issue stock purchase rights under its 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan or its 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the period indicated.

Stock Option and Restricted Stock Activity

A summary of stock option activity under the Stock Plans during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

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(1) The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding, exercisable and vested and expected to vest is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the market price of the Company’s common stock for options that had exercise prices that were lower than the $11.16 market price of the Company’s common stock at March 31, 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, there was $12.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under all Stock Plans.  Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in forfeitures.  The Company expects to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 2.95 years.

A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity under the Stock Plans during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted a total of 262,500 restricted stock units to certain executives that will vest based upon the satisfaction of certain service and performance conditions. The performance condition is based on the Company meeting certain performance targets in 2012. The Company performed an evaluation of internal and external factors, and determined the number of shares that are most likely to vest based on the probability of what performance conditions will be met. The expense for the fair value of the awards that are expected to vest, is being recognized ratably over the vesting period.

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(5) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The FASB has issued authoritative guidance which requires that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions.  This guidance was adopted in 2009 for non-financial assets and liabilities.  Under the standard, fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value hierarchy established and prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.  Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.  Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy established are as follows:

Fixed-income securities and mutual funds are valued using a third party pricing agency. The valuation is based on observable inputs including pricing for similar assets and other observable market factors. There has been no material change from period to period.

The following table presents the Company’s fair value measurements as of March 31, 2012 along with the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall.  Amounts in the table are in thousands.

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The following table presents the Company’s fair value measurements as of December 31, 2011 along with the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall.  Amounts in the table are in thousands.

(6) INCOME TAXES

The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions. All of the Company’s tax years are subject to examination by the U.S. and state tax authorities due to the carryforward of unutilized net operating losses.

Under financial accounting standards, deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates. Deferred income tax expense or benefit represents the change in the deferred tax assets or liabilities from period to period.

A valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets is reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has incurred significant losses since its inception and due to the uncertainty of the amount and timing of future taxable income, management has determined that a full valuation allowance at March 31, 2012 is necessary to reduce the tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, future changes in our unrecognized tax benefits will not impact the Company’s effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  At March 31, 2012 the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits, nor are there any tax positions where it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the 12 months following March 31, 2012.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Exact Sciences Corporation should be read in conjunction with the condensed financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which has been filed with the SEC (the “2010 Form 10-K”).

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections.  Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms.  Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may address the following subjects among others: statements regarding the sufficiency of our capital resources, expected operating losses, anticipated results of our pivotal clinical trial, expected license fee revenues, expected research and development expenses, expected general and administrative expenses and our expectations concerning our business strategy.  Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors including those risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  We urge you to consider those risks and uncertainties in evaluating our forward-looking statements.  We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein (or elsewhere) to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Overview

Exact Sciences Corporation is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.  We have exclusive intellectual property protecting our non-invasive, molecular screening technology for the detection of colorectal cancer.

Our primary goal is to become the market leader for a patient-friendly diagnostic screening product for the early detection of colorectal pre-cancer and cancer.  Our strategic roadmap to achieve this goal includes the following key components:

·                  develop and refine our non-invasive Cologuard ™ stool-based DNA (sDNA) colorectal pre-cancer and cancer screening test;

·                  advance our Cologuard test through U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials; and

·                  commercialize an FDA-cleared product that detects colorectal pre-cancer and cancer.

Our Cologuard test includes DNA markers, which in published studies have been shown to be associated with colorectal cancer.  In addition to DNA markers, our test will also include a protein marker to detect blood in stool, utilizing an antibody-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Our current focus is on seeking U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance or approval for our Cologuard test.  We also are in the process of developing our strategy for the ultimate commercialization of our Cologuard test.  We believe obtaining FDA clearance or approval is critical to building broad demand and successful commercialization for our sDNA colorectal cancer screening technologies.  Product performance, throughput and cost are among the elements that will need to be addressed in the design and development of a commercial product based on our technology.

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Our Cologuard test is designed to detect pre-cancerous lesions or polyps, and each of the four stages of colorectal cancer. Pre-cancerous polyps are present in approximately 6 percent of average risk people 50 years of age and older who come in for routine colorectal cancer screening.

We are designing our test with a goal of detecting both pre-cancers and cancers.  The target sensitivity rate for cancer is equal to or greater than 85 percent at a specificity of 90 percent.  In preliminary validation studies our Cologuard test was able to detect cancers at or above this target sensitivity rate and we were also able to demonstrate strong pre-cancer detection. We are in the process of developing our strategy for the ultimate commercialization of our Cologuard test.

It is widely accepted that colorectal cancer is among the most preventable, yet least prevented cancers.  Colorectal cancer typically takes up to 10-15 years to progress from a pre-cancerous lesion to metastatic cancer and death.  However, it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, killing almost 50,000 people each year.

There is a significant unmet clinical need related to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.  Approximately 40 percent of those who should be screened for colorectal cancer are not screened according to current guidelines.

Poor compliance has meant that nearly two-thirds of colon cancer diagnoses are made in the disease’s late stages.  The five-year survival rates for stages 3 and 4 are 67 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Our Cologuard test can detect pre-cancers and cancers early, and is expected to be a powerful, preventive tool.  By detecting pre-cancers and cancers early with our test, affected patients can be referred to colonoscopy, during which the polyp or lesion can be removed.  The sDNA screening model has the potential to significantly reduce colorectal cancer deaths.  The earlier the pre-cancer or cancer can be detected, the greater the reduction in mortality.

The benefits of sDNA-based screening are clear. It detects both pre-cancers and cancers. sDNA-based screening is non-invasive and requires no bowel preparation or dietary restriction like other methods. The sample for sDNA-based screening can be collected easily at home and mailed to the appropriate laboratory, where the testing would be conducted. sDNA-based screening also is affordable, particularly relative to colonoscopy.

The competitive landscape is favorable to sDNA-based screening. All of the colorectal cancer detection methods in use today are constrained by some combination of poor sensitivity, poor compliance and cost. Colonoscopy is uncomfortable and expensive. A 2010 study showed that seven out of 10 people age 50 and older who were told they should get a colonoscopy did not do so primarily due to fears. Fecal blood testing suffers from poor sensitivity, including 66 percent detection rates for cancer and 27 percent detection rates for pre-cancers, and poor compliance. Blood-based DNA testing also is disadvantaged by its low sensitivity for cancer and its inability to reliably detect pre-cancer. Data from a validation study of one blood-based test was released in late 2011. It demonstrated only 68 percent sensitivity across all stages of cancer at 80 percent specificity, with little sensitivity for pre-cancer.

The competitive advantages of sDNA-based screening provide a significant market opportunity. Assuming a 30-percent test adoption rate and a three-year screening interval, we estimate the potential U.S. market for sDNA screening to be $1.2 billion.

Our intellectual property portfolio positions us to be the leading player to develop and market tests for the detection of colorectal cancer from stool samples.  Our portfolio of issued and pending patents broadly protects our position from competitors and yields freedom to operate in this market.  We have continued to invest in our intellectual property filings. We have intellectual property pertaining to: sample type, sample preparation, sample preservation, biomarkers, and related methods and formulations.  In 2009, we expanded our intellectual property estate through our collaboration with the Mayo Clinic and licensed Invader detection technology from Hologic, which we plan to incorporate into our Cologuard test.  We have an extensive license to markers, digital PCR, and other technologies applicable to the detection of colon cancer from Johns Hopkins University, and have additional licensed intellectual property from MDx Health (formerly Oncomethylome Sciences) and Case Western Reserve University.

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We have generated limited operating revenues since inception and, as of March 31, 2012, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $232.5 million. We expect to continue to incur losses for the next several years, and it is possible we may never achieve profitability.

2012 Priorities

In 2012 we will devote significant time and resources on the FDA clinical trial for our Cologuard test and preparing our FDA submissions. Our goal is to complete the clinical trial and submit the PMA to the FDA for the manufacturing and analytical modules by the end of 2012. If for any reason this trial is not successful or is substantially delayed, if the FDA does not approve our PMA or such approval is substantially delayed or if for any other reason we are unable to successfully commercialize our Cologuard test, our business and prospects would likely be materially adversely impacted.

With the goal of expediting receipt of a favorable coverage decision, we are working with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to coordinate our clinical trial with the CMS coverage review process for our Cologuard test.

We also plan to focus on manufacturing preparations and developing the market for our Cologuard test during 2012. This includes working to develop an FDA compliant quality management system and the capability to manufacture and ship reagents to customers as well as completing a healthcare/cost effectiveness study, publishing scientific papers regarding our sDNA colorectal cancer screening technologies and continuing our outreach to physicians, third-party payors and advocates.

Financial Overview

Revenue.  Our revenue is comprised of the amortization of up-front license fees for the licensing of certain patent rights to Genzyme and product royalty fees on tests sold by LabCorp utilizing our technology. We expect that total revenue for 2012 will be consistent with amounts recorded in 2011.

Our Cost Structure.  Our selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of non-research personnel salaries, office expenses, professional fees, sales and marketing expenses incurred in support of our commercialization efforts and, non-cash stock-based compensation.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed  financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, certain third party royalty obligations and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be appropriate under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of our condensed financial statements included in the 2011Form 10-K, we believe that the following accounting policies and judgments are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.

Revenue Recognition.

License fees.  License fees for the licensing of product rights on initiation of strategic agreements are recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt of cash and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the license period. In connection with our January 2009 strategic transaction with Genzyme Corporation, Genzyme agreed to pay us a total of $18.5 million, of which $16.65 million was paid on January 27, 2009 and $1.85 million was subject to a holdback by Genzyme to satisfy certain potential indemnification obligations in exchange for the assignment and licensing of certain intellectual property to Genzyme.  Our on-going performance obligations to Genzyme under the Collaboration, License and

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Purchase Agreement (the “CLP Agreement”), as described below, including our obligation to deliver certain intellectual property improvements to Genzyme, if improvements are made during the initial five-year collaboration period, were deemed to be undelivered elements of the CLP Agreement on the date of closing.  Accordingly, we deferred the initial $16.65 million in cash received at closing and are amortizing that up-front payment on a straight-line basis into revenue over the initial five-year collaboration period ending in January 2014.  We received the first holdback amount of $962,000, which included accrued interest due, from Genzyme during the first quarter of 2010 and the second holdback amount of $934,250, which included accrued interest, due from Genzyme during the third quarter of 2010.  The amounts were deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis into revenue over the remaining term of the collaboration at the time of receipt.

In addition, Genzyme purchased 3,000,000 shares of our common stock on January 27, 2009, for $2.00 per share, representing a premium of $0.51 per share above the closing price of our common stock on that date of $1.49 per share.  The aggregate premium paid by Genzyme over the closing price of our common stock on the date of the transaction of $1.53 million is deemed to be a part of the total consideration for the CLP Agreement.  Accordingly, we deferred the aggregate $1.53 million premium and are amortizing that amount on a straight-line basis into revenue over the initial five-year collaboration period ending in January 2014.

In total, we recognized approximately $1.0 million in license fee revenue in connection with the amortization of the up-front payments and holdback amounts from Genzyme during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Stock-Based Compensation.

In accordance with GAAP, all stock-based payments, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units and shares purchased under an employee stock purchase plan “ESPP” (if certain parameters are not met), are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The following assumptions are used in determining fair value for employee stock options, restricted stock and ESPP shares:

·                  Valuation and Recognition — The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions in Note 4 to our condensed financial statements. The estimated fair value of employee stock options is recognized to expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period.

·                  Expected Term - The Company uses the simplified calculation of expected life, described by the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletins 107 and 110, as the Company does not currently have sufficient historical exercise data on which to base an estimate of expected term.  Using this method, the expected term is determined using the average of the vesting period and the contractual life of the stock options granted.

·                  Expected Volatility - Expected volatility is based on the Company’s historical stock volatility data over the expected term of the awards.

·                  Risk-Free Interest Rate - The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation method on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term.

·      Forfeitures - The Company records stock-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.  A forfeiture rate is estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates.

The fair value of each restricted stock award and restricted stock unit is determined on the date of grant using the closing stock price on that day. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions in Note 4 to our condensed financial statements.

Results of Operations

Revenue.  Total revenue remained unchanged at $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. Total revenue is primarily composed of the amortization of up-front technology license fee payments associated with our purchase agreement with Genzyme. Revenues also include royalties on LabCorp’s sales of ColoSure.

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Research and development expenses.  Research and development expenses increased to $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to an increase of $2.7 million in professional fee expenses primarily related to our clinical trial, $1.9 million in clinical trial related expenses, $0.5 million in compensation expenses, $0.5 million of lab expenses, $0.2 million in other research and development expenses, $0.1 million in stock-based compensation expenses, and $0.1 million in research collaborations compared to the same period in 2011.The increase in these categories was the result of increased research and development activities in support of our efforts to develop and seek FDA approval for our Cologuard test, which included hiring additional research and development personnel and administering our clinical trial. As a result of these efforts, we expect research and development costs in 2012 to continue to be higher than 2011 levels.

General and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expenses decreased to $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to an increase of $0.2 million in stock-based compensation expenses compared to the same period in 2011, offset by a $0.3 million decrease in legal and professional fees.

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased to $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $0.3 million for the same period in 2011as a result of increased sales and marketing efforts in support of our efforts to develop and commercialize our Cologuard test which included hiring additional personnel and increased market research activities.

Interest income.  Interest income increased to $62,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $34,000 for the same period in 2011.  This increase is primarily due to larger investment balances when compared to the same period in 2011.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $5,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as the loan from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce remained unchanged.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have financed our operations since inception primarily through private and public offerings of our common stock, cash received from LabCorp in connection with our license agreement with LabCorp, and cash received in January 2009 from Genzyme in connection with the Genzyme strategic transaction. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $12.3 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and approximately $71.2 million in marketable securities.

All of our investments in marketable securities are comprised of fixed income investments and all are deemed available-for-sale. The objectives of this portfolio are to provide liquidity and safety of principal while striving to achieve the highest rate of return, consistent with these two objectives. Our investment policy limits investments to certain types of instruments issued by institutions with investment grade credit ratings and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by type and issuer.

Net cash used in operating activities was $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The principal use of cash in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was to fund our net loss which increased primarily due to increased research and development activities which included the start of our clinical trial in June 2011.

Net cash used in investing activities was $13.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase in cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily the result of purchase and maturity activity of marketable securities. Excluding the impact of purchases and maturities of marketable securities, net cash used in investing activities consisted of purchases of property and equipment of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Purchases of property and equipment during the three months ended March 31, 2012 were a result of increased research and development activities.   Based on our plans for further development of our sDNA technology for colorectal cancer detection, we expect that purchases of property and equipment during 2012 will be higher than amounts invested in 2011.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $14,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase in cash provided by financing activities for the

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three months ended March 31, 2012 was due to cash inflows from stock options exercises of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, cash inflows were not as significant and consisted of $14,000 from stock option exercises.

We expect that cash and cash equivalents on hand at March 31, 2012, will be sufficient to fund our current operations for at least the next twelve months, based on current operating plans.  However, since we have no current sources of material ongoing revenue, we expect that we will need to raise additional capital to fully fund our current strategic plan, the primary goal of which is developing and commercializing an FDA-cleared/approved non-invasive sDNA colorectal pre-cancer and cancer screening test.  If we are unable to obtain sufficient additional funds to enable us to fund our operations through the completion of such plan, our results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected and we may be required to delay the implementation of our plan and otherwise scale back our operations.  Even if we successfully raise sufficient funds to complete our plan, we cannot assure you that our business will ever generate sufficient cash flow from operations to become profitable.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2012, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our exposure to market risk is principally confined to our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. We invest our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities in securities of the U.S. governments and its agencies and in investment-grade, highly liquid investments consisting of commercial paper, bank certificates of deposit and corporate bonds, which, as of March 31, 2012 were classified as available-for-sale. We place our cash equivalents and marketable securities with high-quality financial institutions, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one institution and have established investment guidelines relative to diversification and maturities designed to maintain safety and liquidity.

Based on a hypothetical ten percent adverse movement in interest rates, the potential losses in future earnings, fair value of risk-sensitive financial instruments, and cash flows are immaterial, although the actual effects may differ materially from the hypothetical analysis.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15e promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  Disclosure controls and procedures enable us to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in our periodic SEC filings within the required time period.  Our disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the periodic reports filed with the SEC is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive, financial and accounting officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In the quarter ended March 31, 2012, we completed the implementation of “SAP”, a new enterprise resource planning software. Management, together with our CEO and CFO, evaluated the changes in our internal control over financial reporting as part of the implementation and it was determined that this system was fully implemented and operating effectively. With this implementation, our management ensures that our key controls are mapped to applicable SAP controls, and as appropriate, maintains and evaluates controls over the flow of information to and from the SAP system.

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II - Other Information

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Not applicable.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of risks that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results, some of which are beyond our control.  In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the risks and uncertainties that we believe are most important for you to consider are discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in that report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Not applicable

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

Not applicable.

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Item 6.  Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed as a part of this report are listed in the Exhibit Index.

SIGNATURES

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

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EXHIBIT INDEX