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DNAPrint Genomics Receives Notice of Allowance for Patent for Identifying Links Between Gene Sequences and Medical Traits

Posted on: Thursday, 20 April 2006, 09:01 CDT

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTC BB: DNAG) today announced that the Company has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Tradmark Office for a patent application, Methods for the Identification of Genetic Features for Complex Genetics Classifiers. The patent protects the Company's methods for identifying links between gene sequences and phenotypes (physical or medical traits).

"Gene sequences are highly polymorphic in the population, which means that they come in various forms or 'flavors,'" stated DNAPrint Genomics Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Tony N. Frudakis. "Polymorphism is usually measured at the level of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) but our technology measures at the level of the haplotype (strings of SNPs), which provides researchers considerably more information. The methods covered in the patent allow for an efficient and powerful means for identifying haplotype."

The recent patent provides legal protection for DNAPrint's status as one of a very few companies currently capable of performing objective, assumption-free haplotype analyses. DNAPrint is also the only company currently using Ancestry Informative Markers (AIMs) and has patents pending in this area as well. Because of limitations with traditional genome screening methods and the complex genetic characteristics of modern populations, AIMS are integral to the development of DNA tests for the inference of genetic ancestry based on phenotypes, including identifying certain physical characteristics, or an individual's predisposition to respond to certain drugs.

"The Company is committed to developing a new class of drugs, called 'theranostics,' which are test+drug combinations designed to help ensure that patients receive the appropriate medicine and proper dosage based on their genetic constitution. The application of theranostics is also designed to increase efficacy and reduce side-effects," said DNAPrint Chairman and Chief Medical Officer Hector J. Gomez, M.D., Ph.D. "Our sophisticated genetics technology is playing a key role in the research and development of potential new drugs."

"This patent cuts across a wide audience of developers from drug companies to people working on technology in the forensics and consumer areas," stated DNAPrint President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. "We plan to vigorously utilize and practice our patents and we will be reviewing the fields of genetic testing, drug development, forensic sciences and consumer products with our patent counsel to determine potential areas of development. We want to ensure that we extract the greatest economic value out of this patent for our shareholders and investors."

DNAPrint Genomics currently holds two patents and has several others pending or in the hands of patent counsel.

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 (with 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  Ron Stabiner The Wall Street Group, Inc. 212-888-4848  

SOURCE: DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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