DNAPrint Introduces Two New Testing Services to the Human Identity Market
8 May 2003, 08:59am ET
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SARASOTA, Fla., May 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (BB:DNAP) (DNAPrint or the "Company"), the world leader in the measurement of genome structure for personalized medicine, qualitative forensics and consumer genomics announced today that it has launched two new human identity tests aimed at the growing forensics market. Reinforced by $215,000 in Q1 2003, pre-audit revenues, and on the heels of the introduction last week of its proprietary Ancestry 2.0 testing service for physical profiling, the entry into the human identity testing market is part of an aggressive campaign by the Company to rapidly build its top line growth potential.
Human identity testing relies on standard, well-known methods of producing bar-code-like sequences from DNA that serve as unique identifiers for matching crime scene samples with individuals, or for paternity/maternity analysis. DNAPrint introduces two new human identity testing services: the first is based on DNAPrint's new and proprietary human identity test called GenoMatch, and the second is based on the standard CODIS STR tests used by most forensics laboratories today.
The new GenoMatch test is a lower cost, higher-throughput test best suited for mass screenings, such as those used for what are commonly referred to as "DNA dragnets", where a match to a crime scene is sought from a large number of possible donors. Many of the markers measured by the new test are informative for population affiliation -- that is, they are among some of the Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) DNAPrint has already filed patent for. In addition to being significantly less expensive to run, the inclusion of AIMs gives DNAPrint's test an advantage over other identity tests, which impart no information about the subject other than the unique identifier.
The CODIS STR test will be purchased from established kit-manufacturers and resold as a higher-end service; this test is the legal standard by which individuals are matched with crime scene DNA specimens. Combined with Ancestry 2.0, DNAPrint now offers a broader menu of tests that function together as a forensics solution. For example, with DNAPrint's DNAWITNESS service, investigators can delimit the suspect pool in terms of biogeographical ancestry admixture proportions (the heritable component of "race"). Next, with GenoMatch, the investigators can mass-screen subjects within this delimited pool at considerable cost savings compared to using the more expensive CODIS STR test, and then verify any match found using the CODIS STR test as is standard practice today. By helping investigators find the "needle in the haystack", DNAPrint's testing services hold considerable potential to accelerate the investigative process, saving investigative dollars, and enhancing public safety.
DNAWITNESS Tests to be Used as an incentive to Help DNAP Break into the Lucrative Human Identity Testing Market: President Bush recently authorized a $1 billion initiative to advance justice through DNA technology and most of this money is expected to be spent on human identity testing. Though most of this testing is performed by State and Federal laboratories, demand far exceeds the collective capability of these labs and much of the work is out- sourced to commercial labs. Though any lab can set up the infrastructure for STR-based human identity testing, the $600 Million commercial human identity testing market is currently dominated by a handful of established companies. DNAPrint's DNAWITNESS physical profiling tests are the world's first, and as such, the Company intends to use the tests as an incentive for attracting human identity testing customers. DNAPrint would offer DNAWITNESS price discounts to institutional customers that use DNAPrint as their exclusive ASCLD accredited human identity contractor.
DNAPrint has begun the process of obtaining Association of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD) accreditation for the new service. Unlike physical profiling, which is useful as an investigative tool but does not have the power to incriminate an individual, STR testing is heavily regulated and ASCLD accreditation is a key for penetration into the market.
About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
DNAPrint genomics Inc. was founded by a team of scientists with research and commercial experience in high-level mathematical modeling, programming and molecular genetics. Using proprietary human genome research methods, the Company develops pharma-predictive tests for matching patients with drugs based on their genetic constitution, discovers disease genes for the development of new drugs and develops new forensic genomics and recreational genomics testing products. 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 .
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 Investor Contacts
Phil Brooks
DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
Director, Marketing Communications
(941) 366-3400
pbrooks@dnaprint.com
SOURCE DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
-0- 05/08/2003
/CONTACT: Phil Brooks, Director, Marketing Communications, DNAPrint
genomics, Inc., +1-941-366-3400, or
pbrooks@dnaprint.com
/
/Web site:
dnaprint.com
/
(DNAP)
CO: DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
ST: Florida
IN: MTC OTC
SU: PDT |
