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CytoGenix Announces Results of Influenza synDNA(TM) Vaccine Trial

Posted on: Friday, 30 December 2005, 12:00 CST

CytoGenix, Inc. (OTCBB:CYGX) announced today the successful completion of a genetic immunization animal trial using a synDNA(TM) vaccine against an H1N1 influenza strain. The studies were conducted by Dr. Frank Orson, Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas.

This study demonstrates that a synDNA(TM) vaccine is effective in conferring immunologic protection against a highly virulent pathogen. For this study, CytoGenix scientists prepared a synDNA(TM) vaccine that produces influenza virus hemagglutinin or HA, a viral surface protein that is essential for infection and replication. Natural mutation of the HA gene is the virus' most important mechanism of escaping from control by the body's immune system. This gene is changed by natural selection every flu season, thus requiring a new vaccine every year.

Dr. Orson, a clinical immunologist and scientific investigator, commented, "We have considerable experience and interest in genetic immunization. We have studied plasmid DNA for a number of years, and the CytoGenix cell-free DNA experiments should be a significant advance toward the clinical application of this vaccine methodology. The synDNA(TM) vaccine for influenza stimulated a potent neutralizing antibody response to protect against virus infection."

Dr. Yin Chen, CytoGenix, Inc. Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, commented, "We have completed several animal synDNA(TM) vaccine studies against different viruses with very promising results. We are now accelerating our preclinical development of vaccines designed to protect specifically against various individual influenza strains, including the H5N1 avian influenza virus."

About CytoGenix: CytoGenix, Inc. is a Houston-based biopharmaceutical company that develops and markets innovative products and services based on its proprietary ssDNA expression technology. The company has developed a breakthrough synthetic process for large-scale production of high purity DNA at a fraction of the cost of traditional fermentation methods. CytoGenix currently has one issued US patent and 41 international or US pending patent applications claiming methods and materials in connection with this platform technology.

SAFE HARBOR: Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, risks associated with the acceptance of new products, competition, and other factors more fully detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Additional information about CytoGenix and its technology can be found on the website at www.cytogenix.com.

Source: Business Wire

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