eGene Issued Chinese Patent for DNA Analyzer Technology; Protection in China for 20 Years
IRVINE, Calif., Jul 05, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- eGene Inc. ( EGEI ), developer of a revolutionary high-performance genetic analysis technology, announced today that the company was awarded Chinese Patent No. ZL 02 8 05 754.6. Issued on May 24, the 20-year Chinese patent protection is for "Optical Detection in a Multi-Channel Bio-Separation System." It marks the company's eighth patent worldwide for its technology that enables DNA analysis to take place in as little as minutes.
Ming S. Liu, CEO of eGene, noted: "This patent is important because we believe the Chinese market will prove to be very lucrative for eGene. Our portable HDA-GT12(TM) analyzer has the potential for many important uses in China, which needs a high-performance and low-cost system for genetically related analysis. This includes quickly identifying viral and bacterial DNA signatures, which assists in controlling the transmission of infectious diseases. Furthermore, our system is very useful in personal genotyping for medical-related testing and assisting in the development of 'designer drugs,' where a patient's DNA is compared to that of the specific drug to determine if the drug will be effective on that individual or if side effects may occur."
The HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzer is in use at more than 100 hospitals and research centers worldwide. The system analyzes the genetic fingerprints of living organisms through microsatellites, AFLP and RFLP. It performs fast DNA sample screening and high-resolution DNA fragment analysis (2-5bp). The system also analyzes the quality and quantity of total RNA and cRNA, determines the efficiency of cRNA and cDNA amplification reactions and ensures quality of fragmented cRNA. The company sells cartridges that are specific to the type of analysis to be performed. All data is then received in digital form for appropriate transmission and storage.
About eGene Inc.
eGene Inc. ( www.egeneinc.com) focuses its core technologies of capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, liquid handling and automation to develop and manufacture low-cost microfluidic, miniaturized digital genetic analyzer systems, software and consumables for biological materials testing applications. These products detect, quantify, identify and characterize DNA and RNA at high rates of specificity and sensitivity while automating routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development quality and productivity.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors. The company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revision, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
SOURCE: eGene Inc.
Martin E. Janis & Company Inc. for eGene Inc.
Beverly Jedynak, 312-943-1100, ext. 12
bjedynak@janispr.com
Copyright Business Wire 2006
