DNAprint Genomics (DNAG)

[Blue Juggernaut]

The Bio Bar Code Patent...

is already owned by GenVault:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/search....

Perhaps the Trace pending is different? I ran about 20 searches over the last week and could not find it. However, I did come by GenVault's which appears to be closely related to Ripan's comments in the Red article.

Big Blue

GenVault Acquires Exclusive Patent to DNA Labeling Technology

Company gains unique position after purchasing the rights to nucleic acid labeling patent

San Diego, May 11, 2005 - GenVault, the leader in integrated biosample management, today announced an exclusive agreement to acquire the full rights to the DNA labeling intellectual property invented by Nigel S. Atkinson and Brain K. Haarer, researchers at the University of Texas. This patent allows GenVault to offer and license GenCode, its DNA labeling technology, to a broader market and positions it as the only company to offer double labeling for nucleic acid samples. This technology makes it possible for scientists to identify the sample through its complete downstream analysis to maintain a permanent chain of custody.

“Acquiring this patent is a valuable acquisition for GenVault as we expand into new markets,” commented David Wellis, senior vice president, marketing and sales for GenVault. “DNA labeling has been an integral part of our system that improves upon current biosample labeling techniques.”

Establishing and maintaining the correct identity of biosamples is critical to the integrity of research studies, human identity tracking, forensics and diagnostic testing. The advantage GenCode offers is a barcode that permanently identifies each biosample and remains with the sample even after it is removed from its container and eluted from its original storage medium. Therefore, a sample can be traced back to the original sample regardless of its physical state. To validate the potential effectiveness and benefits of their GenCode technology, GenVault recently published a peer-reviewed paper in Cell Preservation Technology (3: 54-59, 2005) titled "A DNA-based biological sample tracking method” that details the GenCode process and its uses in biosample storage.

The patented technology, U.S. Patent No. 6,153,389, is used as a direct mechanism for marking biological samples (blood, semen, saliva, etc.) that are to be used for subsequent DNA analysis. This process provides a distinctive identifying label for collected biosamples in future identification.

About GenVault
GenVault is the leader in integrated biosample management. The company currently provides integrated archiving and retrieval solutions for organizations managing DNA collections. GenVault aims to serve customers including medical centers, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and law enforcement agencies. Future systems will also accommodate proteins and RNA to provide a comprehensive solution. As a scalable and reliable alternative to traditional freezer networks and DNA purification systems, GenVault's dry-state platform enables the extraction, preservation and recovery of DNA at room temperature. This novel sample management solution is configured for each customer's workflow and the planned growth of their biosample archive. In December 2004, GenVault was named as one of Red Herring’s Top 100 Innovators. From its GenPlate to its Dynamic Archive solution, GenVault is continuously developing and refining best practices for integrated biosample management.