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DNAPrint Genomics Scientist to Co-Chair Discussion on "Genetic Testing" at the American Association of Physical Anthropologists Annual Meeting

Posted on: Tuesday, 7 March 2006, 09:02 CST

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTC BB: DNAG) today announced that Dr. Ripan Malhi will co-chair a symposium of 14 scientists and business persons for a discussion of ethical and sociopolitical issues surrounding consumer genetic testing as part of the 75th annual meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Malhi is the Senior Research Director of Trace Genetics, Inc., the Company's wholly owned subsidiary. The four-day meeting, which begins Wednesday, March 8, features several symposiums and poster discussions. This symposium focuses on the interpretation of genetic test results and the public's understanding of race, ethnicity, human genetic variation and evolutionary history of the human species.

"The purpose of this symposium is to have a rigorous discussion of lineage-based and whole genome tests exploring the anthropological, biomedical, and societal applications of genetic ancestry testing," explains Dr. Malhi. "It should be a lively discussion. We have purposefully brought together competent spokespersons with diverse perspectives. This will be an opportunity for opinions to be expressed and challenged and, ideally, allow the group as a whole to resolve issues in a direct and productive manner."

The symposium brings together scientists and experts from academia and private enterprise in an effort to build a consensus about how the public might best use genetic testing to understand their own ancestry within a valid scientific framework. Recent television specials and news publications have spurred public interest in genetic testing, resulting in the recent purchase by consumers of more than 150,000 genetic ancestry tests. The popularity of these genetic tests reflects a widespread interest by the public in using DNA technology to learn about family ancestry. Many anthropologists are concerned that the interpretation of the results of these tests may not give a complete and accurate picture of an individual's personal genetic history.

"Until recently the only way genealogists could determine their ancestors' origins was through records and oral history that traced ancestors as far back as the documentation existed. Now, genetic tests can reveal remote anthropological ancestry and suggest proportions of various ethnic and geographical origins such as Native American ancestry, in a given person's heritage. Genealogists should use the information for the test's intended purpose as one piece of a large and complex puzzle and avoid prejudice based on what they hoped they would find," commented Dr. Tony Frudakis, Chief Scientific Officer for DNAPrint Genomics.

The symposium is a featured event of the annual meeting, and is scheduled to be the cover article of the Saturday, March 11, edition of New Scientist magazine.

About DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (www.dnaprint.com) is a developer of genomics-based products and services in two primary markets: biomedical and forensics. DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, develops diagnostic tests and theranostic products (drug/test combinations) using the Company's proprietary ancestry-informed genetic marker studies combined with proprietary computational modeling technology. Computational Biology and Pharmacogenomics services are also offered externally to biopharmaceutical companies. The Company's first theranostic product is PT-401, a "Super EPO" (erythropoietin) dimer protein drug for treatment of anemia in renal dialysis patients (end stage renal disease). Pre-clinical and clinical development of all the Company's drug candidates will benefit from simulated pre-trials to better design actual trials and are targeted to patients with a genetic profile indicating their propensity to have the best clinical response. DNAPrint is proud of its continued dedication to developing and supplying new technological advances in law enforcement and consumer ancestry heritage interests. Please refer to www.dnaprint.com for information on law enforcement and consumer applications which include DNAWITNESS(TM), RETINOME(TM), ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) and EURO-DNA(TM). DNAWitness-Y and DNAWitness-Mito are two tests offered by the Company. The results from these tests may be used as identification tools when a DNA sample is deteriorated or compromised or other DNA testing fails to yield acceptable results.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. 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, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, 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.

 Company Contact: Richard Gabriel CEO and President 941 366-3400 or Ron Stabiner The Wall Street Group, Inc. 212-888-4848  

SOURCE: DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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