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eGene's Rapid DNA Analyzer Can Identify Avian Flu Virus in Minutes; Use of System Worldwide Could Help Contain Spread

Posted on: Thursday, 23 March 2006, 15:00 CST

eGene Inc. (OTCBB:EGEI), developers of a revolutionary high-performance genetic analysis technology, today said that if put into use at airports, borders and points of entry, its portable HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzers would have the ability to evaluate amplified DNA samples for genetic signatures of avian flu in less than 10 minutes and help halt the spread of the illness.

Ming S. Liu, acting CEO of eGene, said: "There will be an urgency to halt the spread of the flu, should the genetic makeup mutate rapidly so that it spreads human to human. The best way in our jet-age to try and stop a pandemic would be to identify and diagnose those who have the flu before they enter the country, whether at an airport, waterway or border. Our system is so compact that it can sit on a desk top to rapidly identify avian flu virus through the method of direct RT-PCR amplification, which is the fast approach to detect the avian flu H5N1 strain. The system can be used at these sites with a minimum amount of delays."

eGene's patented system is one that can analyze any disease's genetic signature including those from malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, HPV and TB as well as many others, many of which are described at the company's Web site: www.egeneinc.com. Because of this flexibility, the eGene Analyzers could provide a safety net for public health as individuals enter the country.

The HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzer is in use at more than 100 hospitals and research centers worldwide, including Taiwan's disease control center, and has been developed to use solid-state light sources and micro-optical collectors to make the system compact and affordable. The system analyzes genetic fingerprinting of living organisms through microsatellites, AFLP and RFLP. It performs RNA and oligonucleotide quality checks, as well as fast DNA sample screening, high-resolution DNA fragment analysis (2-5bp) and large DNA fragments analysis (up to 10Kb). The system also analyzes the quality and quantity of total RNA and cRNA, determines the efficiency of cRNA and cDNA amplification reactions and ensures quality of fragmented cRNA. The company sells cartridges that are specific to the type of analysis to be performed. All data is then received in digital form for appropriate transmission and storage.

About eGene Inc.

eGene Inc. focuses its core technologies of capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, liquid handling and automation to develop and manufacture low-cost microfluidic, miniaturized digital genetic analyzer systems, software and consumables for biological materials testing applications. These products detect, quantify, identify and characterize DNA and RNA at high rates of specificity and sensitivity while automating routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development quality and productivity.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors. The company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

Source: Business Wire

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