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DNAPrint Genomics' Pharmaceuticals Division Announces That Research on Development of Super EPO Drug for Anemia Market Shows Promising Early Results

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 March 2006, 09:01 CST

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTC BB: DNAG) today announced that research to develop commercial grade PT-401, a more powerful form of the anemia drug Erythropoietin (EPO), is proceeding on schedule with the manufacturing of PT-401 in mammalian cells being shown to be very efficient. Erythropoietin (EPO) has a worldwide market exceeding $11 billion and is growing at an average annual rate of 18% for the past 5 years.

"Based on these results, research is on schedule for our first pharmaceutical product," stated Hector J. Gomez, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Medical Officer of DNAPrint Genomics and the Company's DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals subsidiary. "Tests of our Super EPO dimer in animal models of anemia showed that it was several times more effective and longer acting than the currently available erythropoietin."

In vitro testing in cell cultures revealed significant positive biological activity shown by marked growth stimulation of target mammalian blood cells, either attached to solid surfaces or growing in suspension, according to Dr. Gomez. In addition, in vivo testing in mice demonstrated that even with a single injection, robust stimulation of red blood cell production was produced as assessed by an increase in the number and volume of blood cells (hematocrit). Further analytical testing showed that the dimer exhibits unique biochemical properties that distinguish it from currently marketed red blood cell growth stimulating drugs.

"We are very pleased that our original plan of achieving production efficiency with an optimal structure/activity profile has been accomplished," Dr. Gomez stated. "The next steps are to continue our scale up development work, and then select a qualified manufacturer to make drug material for our preclinical studies."

DNAPrint Genomics President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel noted that development of this novel compound is a long-term project. "These early indicators are encouraging and we will continue to pursue development and eventual commercialization of this exciting new drug compound," he said.

DNAPrint Genomics obtained an exclusive worldwide license from Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in February 2005 for the development of a "Super" EPO, a more potent and longer acting form of Erythropoietin (EPO). DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals' goal is to utilize recent genomics and chemistry advances to develop next-generation test/drug combinations called "Theranostics," which maximizes efficacy and minimizes side effects by tailoring and customizing medication for specific individuals and well-defined population sectors.

In June 2005, DNAPrint selected Proteos, Inc., to handle preclinical analysis of PT-401 and to manufacture the initial batches of the new drug. Please see: http://www.dnaprint.com/welcome/press/press_recent/2005/0614/

About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and ranks fourth in National Institutes of Health funding among independent hospitals nationwide. BIDMC is clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit www.bidmc.harvard.edu.

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). Preclinical and clinical development of all the Company's drug candidates will benefit from simulated pre-trials to design actual trials better and are targeted to patients with genetic profiles indicating their propensity to have the best clinical responses. 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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