DNAPrint Launches EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0
Friday August 27, 4:40 pm ET
SARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DNAPrint genomics (OTC Bulletin Board: DNAP - News; the "Company") announces today that it has launched EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0, the world's first genetic test for determining intracontinental subpopulation (i.e. "ethnic") admixture.
EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 provides customers their percentages of Northern European, Southeast European (Mediterranean), Middle Eastern and South Asian ancestry and is appropriate for most customers who obtained at least 50% European admixture with the ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) 2.5 test. The new test, which works in the same manner as the company's ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) 2.5 test, is powered by 309 proprietary Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) distributed across all 23 human chromosomes. The AIMs were identified from a screen of approximately 12,000 candidate AIMs obtained from DNA chips and public genome database resources. Research conducted by DNAPrint(TM) suggests that for the average customer, the test is accurate to within about 7 percentage points.
Since the test looks back farther in time than most genealogical records extend, EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 provides a different glimpse of a person's heritage than most genealogists are accustomed to, and thus might be better described as a personal anthropology test rather than a genealogy test. In fact, since the test reports anthropological identity, not necessarily geopolitical identity, some customers may be surprised by their results. For example, a blond haired/blue eyed Italian whose ancestors migrated from Scandinavia 1,000 years ago might describe him/herself as Italian or Mediterranean, but share more in common genetically with Scandinavians; such an individual would demonstrate relatively polarized Northern European ancestry with the new EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0. These results are important to genealogists tracing lineage and can also help reconstruct human migration patterns on a recent evolutionary timescale.
Until today, the only genetic tests capable of tracing ethnic ancestry were Y-chromosome and mtDNA tests. Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests only look at a specific portion of a person's DNA heritage - the Y- chromosome, which is inherited paternally and the mtDNA, which is inherited maternally. Because Y and mtDNA tests each look at only 1 of the 23 chromosomes, they ignore contribution from most of the individuals in a given family tree and for this reason, Y and mtDNA tests are not useful for the analysis of admixture within individuals. EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 is the first test ever developed and commercialized capable of telling the "whole" ethnic story from each persons DNA "book".
Since EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 is the first test for determining "ethnic" admixture within individuals; there are no other tests against which to compare it directly. In contrast, Y-chromosome and mtDNA tests are quite useful for analysis of populations, since their defect is overcome by averaging over large numbers of individuals. Previous work on European populations using Y-chromosome and mtDNA reveal northwest to southeast trends and clines across Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Using EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0, DNAPrint(TM) scientists have found similar trends. Although they only report on a small fraction of your genetic make-up, Y and mtDNA tests are complimentary to EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0, and maybe used in conjunction with EURO- DNA(TM) 1.0 to produce the most comprehensive picture of ancestry from your DNA. For example, if EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 reports Middle Eastern admixture for a person, it cannot say which ancestors contributed it, but a Y and mtDNA test could potentially identify whether the mother or father (or both) were the source.
DNAPrint(TM) will employ the test as a consumer genomics, forensics and as a tool for the development of more specific, better tolerated and more effective drugs. Customers can learn more about the test at www.ancestrybydna. The new test will cost $199 for former DNAPrint customers who have already taken or ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) 2.5 test. New customers that are interested in the new service test can purchase the combined test for $399 which will include the ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) 2.5 test and the new EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 test. The combined new test will be measuring 309 unique ancestry informative markers that span the entire human genome. Customers that do not meet the test's criteria or cut off for EURO-DNA(TM) 1.0 will only be billed the ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) 2.5 test price of $219.00.
About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
DNAPrint genomics Inc. uses proprietary human genome research methods to develop genomic-based services and products. The Company introduced Ancestrybydna in the consumer market and DNA Witness in the forensic market in 2003. DNAPrint is developing products in the pharmacogenomic market and has a disease gene discovery program. The Company is traded on the NASDAQ OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol: DNAP. For more information about the company, please visit 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.
Media and Press Contacts
Richard Gabriel
DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.
CEO/President
(941) 366-3400
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