DNAprint Genomics (DNAG)

[IVRT]

( BW)(MA-DNAPRINT-GENOMICS)(DNAP) DNAPrint Presents Paclitaxel Response Study Results at BioITWorld Expo; Response to Common Ovarian CancBusiness Editors & Health/Medical Writers
BIOWIRE2K
BioITWorld 2002

BOSTON--(BW HealthWire)--March 14, 2002--DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAP) announced today successful results from an ongoing collaboration with the University of Miami aimed at identifying the genetic basis for variable paclitaxel (Taxol) response in cancer patients. Dr. Tony Frudakis, Chief Executive Officer of DNAPrint genomics presented the results at the BioITWorld Expo in Boston, MA on March 14th.
"We've identified a set of variant human genes that we believe can be used to predict therapeutic outcomes for paclitaxel," said Dr. Tony Frudakis, CEO of DNAPrint genomics. "Given the consequences of inefficacy, it will be of great value to know when treatments based on population means should not be prescribed."
As currently administered, roughly 30% of ovarian cancer patients fail to respond to paclitaxel (Taxol)-based combination treatments during first line chemotherapy. Genetic tests, focused on the part of the genome known to be involved in drug metabolism, were performed on ovarian cancer patients that responded to the treatment and the results compared to those that did not. Haplotype sequences in two genes that are associated with non-response were identified.
Management believes that the results presented at the meeting constitute the core for developing a predictive genetic test called the OVANOME classifier, which could be used to economically evaluate the suitability of cancer patients for standard doses of paclitaxel chemotherapy during first line treatment for ovarian cancer. The test may have implications for enhancing first line chemotherapy success rates for patients with a variety of cancer types.
Doctors from the University of Miami will present the results on March 19th at the 33rd annual meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists in Miami, FL. For the past year, DNAPrint has been collaborating with the University of Miami Familial Ovarian and Breast Cancer Center in Miami, FL, to identify the complex genetic determinants for variable paclitaxel response in ovarian cancer patients. DNAPrint has already received a grant to extend these results in-vitro, using a model system for paclitaxel response, and is teaming with the University of Miami to fund additional work aimed at validating the value of the test for guiding patient treatment decisions.

About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.

DNAPrint genomics Inc. was founded by a team of scientists with research and commercial experience in high-level mathematical and statistical modeling, programming and molecular genetics. Our quest is to become the leader in the development of complex pharmacogenomics classifiers for a personalization of drug prescription. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

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.


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CONTACT: DNAPrint genomics, Inc., Sarasota
Investor Contact: Carrie Castillo, 941/366-3400
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KEYWORD: FLORIDA MASSACHUSETTS
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION
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SOURCE: DNAPrint genomics, Inc.



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