DNAprint Genomics (DNAG)

[SlopsterSlasher]

Ming remember this - DNAPrint genomics, Inc. Partners to Develop Pharmacogenomics Company Serving the 3.5 Billion Southeast Asian Population.

Author/s:

Issue: July 17, 2001

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

SARASOTA, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--July 17, 2001

DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAP) announced today that it has entered into a joint venture with DNAPRO (M) SDN BHD of Selangor, Malaysia to expand DNAPrint's pharmacogenomics presence overseas. The partnership establishes a new subsidiary, DNAPrint genomics (M) SDN BHD, that will be the world's first to devote all of its efforts to the development of genomics-based, personalized medical products specifically geared for Malaysian, Indonesian and other Southeast Asian populations.

The new subsidiary will combine DNAPrint know-how, informatics, and data resources (SNP maps and Haplotype vectors) with DNAPRO's established political and business infrastructure to perform population genetic research and develop genomics-based classification products relevant to the Southeast Asian market.

The scientific basis for the partnership.

Most pharmacogenomics "solutions" generated to date do not comprehensively explain drug response variation within the human population. One of the many reasons the solutions are incomplete is that they are focused on Western patient donors. The genetic causes for variable drug response are heterogeneous among the various peoples of the world, and a classification/diagnostic kit that works very well for Caucasians may work poorly for individuals of Asian descent. To generate complete, broadly useful and sensitive drug-patient classification kits, population studies of international representation are required.

To date, Southeast Asian populations and ethnic subgroups have been poorly represented in genomics research and product development efforts. The vast majority of pharmacogenomics research is conducted in North America and Europe primarily because of the difficulties in obtaining specimens from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and many other Southeastern Asian countries. By establishing a subsidiary with an established and respected Malaysian biotechnology presence, DNAPrint has secured access to a broad range of specimens that allow for the development of pharmacogenomics classification products for this specific population (Southeastern Asian descent). This subsidiary secures an advantage for DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. within the immense 3.5 billion person worldwide Southeast Asian descent population.

The subsidiary, which is 49% owned by DNAPrint genomics, Inc. and 51% owned by DNAPRO(M) SDN BDH (51%), will be eligible to apply for and receive research and product development grants from the Malaysian Ministry of Science and Technology. Grant programs sponsored by the Ministry are specifically earmarked for companies of majority Malaysian ownership, and provide several hundred million dollars annually to promising new Malaysian Technology companies. Grants are typically awarded to companies that address important social and medical issues facing Malaysian and other Southeast Asian peoples. Until today, the country of Malaysia, and the region of Southeast Asia have not had a dedicated pharmacogenomics presence eligible to apply for these grants.

In addition to improving the scope and value of DNAPrint genomics, Inc.'s product interest, the relationship is expected to provide DNAPrint genomics, Inc. the opportunity to realize service based revenues, and more importantly, to receive license revenues on pharmacogenomics classification products that will be developed through this affiliation. The subsidiary intends to conform to Malaysian National Policy requirements and principles of good corporate governance that a company must fulfill if it wishes to list itself for admission to the MASDEX stock exchange.

The exclusive venture marks DNAPRO (M) SDN BHD's first within the under-served Southeast Asian genomics-based product development space. "We are delighted to partner with DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. in bringing an innovative and quantitative pharmacogenomics infrastructure to Southeast Asia," said Dr. Halim, Managing Director of DNAPRO (M) SDN BHD and the subsidiary. "After careful consideration, we chose DNAPrint as a partner for this effort because of its ongoing innovation and expertise within the field of practical pharmacogenomics."

"Procuring accurately phenotyped specimens from overseas is exceedingly difficult, and funding is near impossible," said Dr. Tony Frudakis, CSO and CEO of DNAprint genomics, Inc. "This relationship has the potential to solve both of these problems for us. Because the relationships between genetics and drug response are complex within populations as well as between them, the new venture could enable us to produce better pharmacogenomics products with a wider market reach. In addition, and not insignificantly, the work that is to be completed through this subsidiary, DNAPrint Genomics (M) SDN BHD, is a socially responsible thing to do for the peoples of this part of the world."

About DNAPRO:

DNAPRO (M) DSDN BHD is a Malaysian biotechnology company devoted to marketing and distributing pharmaceutical and biotechnological products of diagnostic, immunoprotective, pharmaceutical or other bio-relevant value. The company has to date specialized in protein and nucleic acid based diagnostic products that utilize novel DNA fingerprinting, monoclonal antibody or other recombinant molecular technology.

About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.:

DNAPrint genomics Inc. was founded by a team of scientists with research and commercial experience in high-level mathematical modeling, programming and molecular genetics. The Company is traded on the NASDAQ OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol: DNAP. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.dnaprint.com.

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended. 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 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.