NEW DNAP NEWS TODAY!!
October 30, 2001 11:42
DNAPrint Genomics Provides Further Information Regarding First Commercial Product
SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DNAP) announced today that it has discovered the genetic basis for using DNA to predict human eye color. The discovery, which forms the foundation for a new genetic eye color test called the RETINOME(SM) classifier, is a world's first and represents a landmark technical and commercial accomplishment for the company. Dr. Tony Frudakis presented the discovery at the recently held Genome Sequence and Analysis Conference, held Oct 27, 2001 in San Diego, CA.
This discovery is one of the first successful applications of recent genomics advances for solving complex genetic traits, and the Company feels the discovery validates its potential to contribute towards the application of genomics for the development of patient-drug classification tests. It also represents an important advance in forensics science and pigmentation related disease research. Because of its potential utility in helping law enforcement (as the world's only test for predicting eye color from anonymously donated DNA), the RETINOME(SM) classifier complements standard DNA testing in the human forensics market.
Specifically, in layman's terms, the discovery comprises numerous genetic markers that combine to form marker sets that are predictive of human eye color. A marker is a specific genetic sequence at a place in the DNA where people differ from one another (called a polymorphism). Finding individual markers is the focus of several genomics companies that study human genetic variation, and in and of itself, represents an important accomplishment. However, finding sets of markers represents an even greater accomplishment because it is more difficult to do and marker sets generally offer greater predictive value. In fact, the genetics of eye color have been a vexing problem for forensics and genetic scientists for many years because of the computational and technical difficulty in identifying the relevant marker sets. A similar situation exists for many human disease and drug reaction conditions (called traits). Most scientists agree that the ability to find predictive marker sets and combinations of sets (marker sets from different genes) is the key for developing genetic tests that are accurate enough to be used in a commercial capacity. The company was able to identify the relevant marker sets using its proprietary protocols, data resources (i.e. the PHENOME database) and especially, its complex genetics analytical platform.
The genetic sequences for the marker sets permit the synthesis of chemicals called "probes" which can be used in an eye color predictive test, analogous to a diagnostics kit. The Company believes that none of the markers, or marker sets, had been previously described by other scientists, and each is covered by a US patent application filed by the company. Mutations in the genes in which they were found were known to contribute towards the rare albino condition in humans. Until now, however, it was not known whether or how common polymorphisms in the genes were related to variable human eye color.
DNAPrint genomics Inc. was founded by a team of scientists with research and commercial experience in high-level mathematical modeling, programming and molecular genetics. 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.
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.
Inquiries please contact:
Tim Wilkins, 941-341-0136 Or
Carrie Castillo, 941/366-3400
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SOURCE DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
/CONTACT: Tim Wilkins, +1-941-341-0136, or Carrie Castillo,
+1-941-366-3400, both of DNAPrint genomics, Inc./
/Web site: dnaprint.com
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