DNAPrint Obtains a Supply Agreement on the LNA Technology From Exiqon
SARASOTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2002--DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAP) announced today that it has obtained a non-exclusive right of supply from the Danish company Exiqon A/S to incorporate Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA(TM)) technology into certain of its pharmacogenomics and forensics tests.
DNAPrint kits use small DNA probes to query specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within an individual's genome. The probes contain molecular "addresses" that targets each particular SNP much like a street address targets a postal letter. Most kits made today contain natural DNA; however there are a number of technical advantages associated with using artificially modified DNA molecules instead. The supply agreement signed today enables DNAPrint to use a specially modified DNA called LNA(TM) in the construction of its test kits. Exiqon holds the patent for the LNA(TM) technology.
The use of LNA(TM) (Locked Nucleic Acid) is expected to provide superior technical performance and robustness for DNAprint kits and services. LNA(TM) is a novel class of DNA analogs that provide outstanding improvements in a number of key DNA hybridization properties. Of paramount importance for diagnostic use, the technology combines exquisite binding affinity towards complementary DNA, but with an unusual ability to discriminate between matching and mismatching target sequences. This quality makes LNA(TM) ideal for SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) detection, particularly within the context of gene families. The term "Locked Nucleic Acids" was coined by Exiqon to emphasize that the usual conformational freedom of the furanose ring in standard nucleosides is restricted in LNA(TM) due to a methylene linker connecting the 2'-O position to the 4'-C position. This restriction accounts for the enhanced specificity.
Terms of the open-ended supply agreement were not disclosed.
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.
About Exiqon A/S:
Exiqon A/S is a privately held Scandinavian biotech company offering technologies and services for the development of simple and accurate molecular assays in the pharmaco- and functional genomics and proteomics fields. The Company provides a variety of technologies for genetic testing, gene expression analysis, sample preparation and biomolecular immobilization and assay. For more information about the Company, please visit exiqon.com.
CONTACT:
DNAPrint genomics, Inc., Sarasota
Investor Contact:
Carrie Castillo, 941/366-3400
ccastillo@dnaprint.com |
