DNAPrint Files Patent to Protect 2,425 SNPs Linked to Drug Response
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2002 11:49 AM
- PRNewswire
SARASOTA, Fla., Aug 20, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (DNAP) announced today that it has filed a patent application to protect 2,425 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) useful for predicting response to a large number of commonly prescribed drugs.
DNAPrint has previously compiled a candidate gene database of several thousand validated drug metabolism and drug target gene SNPs -- collectively known as the "PHENOME" SNP database. However, the new SNPs claimed in the present patent application were identified from a different, more systematic screen of the entire human genome. The sequence of each is useful for explaining variation in drug response to differing extents, depending on the drug, and the Company's data suggests that most are likely linked to genes in the human genome previously not known to be of pharmacological relevance. As such, DNAPrint believes it is the first to claim markers of this type and elucidate the potential of this new subset of the variable human genome as specifically relevant for predicting drug response.
The new patent application could provide DNAPrint a tremendous advantage towards developing pharmacogenomics classifiers that are specific, sensitive and predictively powerful enough for routine clinical use. "Most of these SNPs have been ignored by the genomics community. Though others may have unwittingly and indirectly linked a very small fraction of these SNPs with variable drug response, technical and conceptual considerations have evidently prevented them from yet recognizing the underlying fundamentals of these associations," said Tony Frudakis, Ph.D., DNAPrint's CEO. "Such recognition would be required to generate a competitive patent application." Indeed, a review of the journal and patent literature reveals no reports describing the phenomena that the Company believes cause the linkages.
The discovery that led to the patent application was unexpected, but part of a deliberate and systematic genetic research strategy at DNAPrint. "That we could identify linkages such as this en masse, within the confines of a relatively small research budget, is indicative of the intelligence and objectivity of our systematic study design and algorithmic approach," said Dr. Kondragunta Venkateswarlu, Vice-President of DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
To maintain its competitive advantage, the company will refrain from presenting details of the discovery until the findings are published by the US Patent and Trademark Office.
DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
DNAPrint genomics, Inc. develops complex genetic analytics and information resource products for an individualization of drug prescription and advancement of forensic science. The company's products provide practitioners of genomics-based medicine and forensics with a comprehensive system for complex trait dissection and patient/subject classification. This work has real-life application to the germinating fields of Personalized Medicine and Qualitative Forensics, and helps to lay the foundation for a brand-new area of medical research called Phenomics. DNAPrint genomics Inc. was founded in 2000 by a group of scientists with 57 total years of research and commercial experience in high-level mathematical modeling, programming and molecular genetics. The company is traded on the OTCBB and currently employs 14 people, 9 of whom are Ph.D.s in Computer Science, Molecular Genetics, Statistics and/or Mathematics. (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
Carrie Castillo
DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
Director, Marketing Communications
(941) 366-3400
castillo@dnaprint.com
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SOURCE DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
CONTACT: Carrie Castillo, Director, Marketing Communications of DNAPrint
genomics, Inc., +1-941-366-3400, or castillo@dnaprint.com
URL: dnaprint.com
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