DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. DNAG) today announced that the Company has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S.
Patent and Tradmark Office for a patent application, Methods for the
Identification of Genetic Features for Complex Genetics Classifiers. The
patent protects the Company's methods for identifying links between gene
sequences and phenotypes (physical or medical traits).
"Gene sequences are highly polymorphic in the population, which means that
they come in various forms or 'flavors,'" stated DNAPrint Genomics Founder
and Chief Scientific Officer Tony N. Frudakis. "Polymorphism is usually
measured at the level of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) but our
technology measures at the level of the haplotype (strings of SNPs), which
provides researchers considerably more information. The methods covered in
the patent allow for an efficient and powerful means for identifying
haplotype."
The recent patent provides legal protection for DNAPrint's status as one of
a very few companies currently capable of performing objective,
assumption-free haplotype analyses. DNAPrint is also the only company
currently using Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) and has patents pending
in this area as well. Because of limitations with traditional genome
screening methods and the complex genetic characteristics of modern
populations, AIMS are integral to the development of DNA tests for the
inference of genetic ancestry based on phenotypes, including identifying
certain physical characteristics, or an individual's predisposition to
respond to certain drugs.
"The Company is committed to developing a new class of drugs, called
'theranostics,' which are test+drug combinations designed to help ensure
that patients receive the appropriate medicine and proper dosage based on
their genetic constitution. The application of theranostics is also
designed to increase efficacy and reduce side-effects," said DNAPrint
Chairman and Chief Medical Officer Hector J. Gomez, M.D., Ph.D. "Our
sophisticated genetics technology is playing a key role in the research and
development of potential new drugs."
"This patent cuts across a wide audience of developers from drug companies
to people working on technology in the forensics and consumer areas,"
stated DNAPrint President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. "We
plan to vigorously utilize and practice our patents and we will be
reviewing the fields of genetic testing, drug development, forensic
sciences and consumer products with our patent counsel to determine
potential areas of development. We want to ensure that we extract the
greatest economic value out of this patent for our shareholders and
investors."
DNAPrint Genomics currently holds two patents and has several others
pending or in the hands of patent counsel.
About DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.
DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (www.dnaprint.com) is a developer of genomics-based
products and services in two primary markets: biomedical and forensics.
DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, develops
diagnostic tests and theranostic products (drug/test combinations) using
the Company's proprietary ancestry-informed genetic marker studies combined
with proprietary computational modeling technology. Computational Biology
and Pharmacogenomics services are also offered externally to
biopharmaceutical companies. The Company's first theranostic product is
PT-401, a "Super EPO" (erythropoietin) dimer protein drug for treatment of
anemia in renal dialysis patients (with end stage renal disease).
Preclinical and clinical development of all the Company's drug candidates
will benefit from simulated pre-trials to design actual trials better and
are targeted to patients with genetic profiles indicating their propensity
to have the best clinical responses. DNAPrint is proud of its continued
dedication to developing and supplying new technological advances in law
enforcement and consumer ancestry heritage interests. Please refer to
www.dnaprint.com for information on law enforcement and consumer
applications which include DNAWITNESS(TM), RETINOME(TM), ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM)
and EURO-DNA(TM). DNAWitness-Y and DNAWitness-Mito are two tests offered by
the Company. The results from these tests may be used as identification
tools when a DNA sample is deteriorated or compromised or other DNA testing
fails to yield acceptable results.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not historical are
forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those projected, including, but not limited to, uncertainties relating to
technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost
and pricing of DNAPrint's products, dependence on collaborations and
partners, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of
others, and patent protection and litigation. DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.
expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking, except as may be
required by applicable law or regulation to release publicly any updates or
revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in
DNAPrint's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events,
conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based.
Company Contact:
Richard Gabriel
CEO and President
941 366-3400
Ron Stabiner
The Wall Street Group, Inc.
212-888-4848
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