DNAprint Genomics (DNAG)

[Bill H]

(COMTEX) B: DNAPrint Genomics progresses anemia drug development ( Datamon
tor )
B: DNAPrint Genomics progresses anemia drug development ( Datamonitor )

Mar 15, 2006 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) --
DNAPrint Genomics' development of commercial grade PT-401, a more powerful
form of the anemia drug erythropoietin, is said to be proceeding on schedule
with the manufacturing of PT-401 in mammalian cells being shown to be very
efficient.

According to the company, erythropoietin (EPO) has a worldwide market
exceeding $11 billion and is growing at an average annual rate of 18% for the
past five years.

"Based on these results, research is on schedule for our first
pharmaceutical product," stated Dr Hector Gomez, chairman and chief medical
officer of DNAPrint Genomics. "Tests of our Super EPO dimer in animal models
of anemia showed that it was several times more effective and longer acting
than the currently available erythropoietin."

In vitro testing in cell cultures revealed significant positive biological
activity shown by marked growth stimulation of target mammalian blood cells,
either attached to solid surfaces or growing in suspension, according to Dr
Gomez.

In addition, in vivo testing in mice demonstrated that even with a single
injection, robust stimulation of red blood cell production was produced as
assessed by an increase in the number and volume of blood cells. Further
analytical testing showed that the dimer exhibits unique biochemical
properties that distinguish it from currently marketed red blood cell growth
stimulating drugs.
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