The University of Miami and DNAPrint Present Novel Chemopredictive Results at 33rd Annual SGO Meeting
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 2002--
Novel Genomics Approach Identified Predictive
Markers for Variable Taxol Response
University of Miami doctors presented today the successful results of an ongoing pharmacogenomics study with DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAP) at the 33rd annual Society for Gynecological Oncology in Miami, FL.
Approximately 500 Gynecological Oncologists were presented with an original set of genetic determinants for variable paclitaxel response during the first line of chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer.
The results have implications for dramatically reducing the failure rate of first-line chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer patients. Roughly 30% of patients fail to respond to combination paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy, which is the current FDA approved first-line treatment for Ovarian Cancer. Non-response during the first-line of chemotherapy is linked with poor prognosis and reduced patient survival.
University of Miami physicians monitored paclitaxel response in a group of Ovarian Cancer patients over the past year and provided these data to DNAPrint for genomics study. DNAPrint scientists used an innovative heuristic method with geometrical projection to identify and model proprietary "eigengenotypes," or population based vectors of genome information, that serve as features for variable paclitaxel response. The team found that certain paclitaxel response "eigengenotypes" were strongly predictive for first-line chemotherapy response in Ovarian Cancer patients. Data was shown that suggests that by screening patient genomes for these "eigengenotypes" prior to the commencement of chemotherapy, most non-responders could be flagged and re-directed towards doses and/or alternative chemotherapy more appropriate for their genetic constitution. The team plans to prospectively validate and market the predictive genetic test, called OVANOME, for a personalization of chemotherapy and an improvement in the overall first-line response rate for Ovarian Cancer chemotherapy.
DNAPrint is the only company in the world constructing a database of "eigengenotypes" useful for predicting response to the worlds leading prescription medications. Earlier this year, DNAPrint filed patent for an innovative approach for "eigengenotype"-based conceptualization from high-density genomics data sets in geometric space. The University of Miami is a pioneer in the diagnosis and therapy of gynecological cancers through the application of innovative genomics technologies.
Paclitaxel is sold by the Brisol-Myers Squibb Corporation (NYSE:BMY) under the registered trademark Taxol(R). In 1998, the FDA approved semisynthetic TAXOL in combination with cisplatin, for the first-line treatment of advanced carcinoma of the ovary.
About the Unversity of Miami School of Medicine and Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Center.
The University of Miami School of Medicine, founded in 1952, has already established a research enterprise which the National Institutes of Health ranks in the top 30 percent of the country's 125 medical schools with regards to research funding awarded. The University of Miami Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Center maintains a patient registry, conducts research, and educates physicians and the public. The center treats over 300 Ovarian Cancer patients per year with state-of-the-art treatments.
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 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.
CONTACT: DNAPrint genomics, Inc., Miami
Investor Contact: Carrie Castillo, 941/366-3400
ccastillo@dnaprint.com
or
Media Contact: Russell LaMontagne, 212/219-0800
russell@corinthgroup.com |
