DNAPrint Inks Research and Product Development Alliance With Penn State University
SARASOTA, Fla., July 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DNAP - News) today announced that it has entered into a multifaceted alliance with the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to research and commercialize new genomics-based products for forensics and biomedical science.
Researchers from both institutions will team to complete admixture mapping and candidate genome screens to identify the complex genetic determinants of variable human skin pigmentation, tanning/burn response and melanoma risk. A primary goal of the work will be to confirm and extend encouraging results each has previously obtained from preliminary genome screens. The research will be part of a larger effort at DNAPrint to develop a panel of genomics- based tests for the inference of physical traits from DNA, but it could ultimately lead to the development of new, specific drugs for various pigmentation-related diseases and UV-response traits.
The impetus for the alliance was DNAPrint's recent success in developing complex genetics classifiers for the inference of human iris and hair color. "DNAPrint's work in the pigmentation field is innovative, and their results to date are compelling," said Mark Shriver, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Genetics at PSU. "We have been conducting skin pigmentation research for some time at PSU, but we suggested an alliance because we felt a team effort would be the most efficient means by which to finally solve this fascinating puzzle."
Under the terms of the agreement, DNAPrint gains access to DNA and data from over 1,000 reflectometry-qualified specimens of multiple ancestral backgrounds. In addition, DNAPrint obtains exclusive and unlimited rights to exploit previous pigmentation results and analytical methods developed in Dr. Shriver's laboratory. Both groups will fund the research and DNAPrint will pay PSU a minority share of revenues derived from products that result from the collaboration. The work is expected to take about six months.
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 and forensics classifiers for a personalization of drug prescription and enhancement of our criminal justice system. DNAPrint is the only company in the world building an eigengenotype database for routine complex/quantitative genetics analysis from population level genomics data. 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.
About PSU:
PSU is a world-class research and instructional institute dedicated to fostering and advancing scientific research within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Research Foundation (PSRF) is responsible for evaluating inventions, developing discoveries made by employees of the University and pursuing patents and licensing arrangements thereon.
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.
Investor Contact
Carrie Castillo (ccastillo@dnaprint.com)
941/366-3400
SOURCE: DNAPrint genomics, Inc. |
