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DNAPrint Genomics Enters Into Research Agreement With Harvard Affiliate Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Posted on: Tuesday, 18 July 2006, 09:00 CDT

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTCBB: DNAG) today announced that it has entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement with the Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) for research on a new, more potent and longer-acting form of the anemia drug Erythropoietin (EPO).

"Beth Israel Deaconess will determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of our PT-401 lead drug that we have in our product pipeline," stated Hector J. Gomez, M.D., Ph. D., Chairman and Chief Medical Officer of DNAPrint Genomics and Company's DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals subsidiary. "We expect that the research will provide data that will be included in the Company's anticipated future filings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PT-401, a 'Super EPO' that is a more powerful version of the existing drug."

Under the terms of the agreement, DNAPrint Genomics will provide Beth Israel Deaconess $600,000 in funding for the research. One half of the amount has already been paid with $150,000 due Jan. 1, 2007. The balance is to be paid upon completion of the research.

In April 2005, DNAPrint Genomics announced that it had received an exclusive worldwide license from BIDMC to develop PT-401. The EPO market is growing at an average annual rate of 21%. Leading participants in the existing monomer EPO market include Amgen, Johnson & Johnson and Roche.

"Through our ongoing working relationship with BIDMC, we are continuing to make advances in the development of PT-401," stated DNAPrint President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. "Erythropoietin is currently produced by major pharmaceutical companies and targets a $10 billion worldwide market. We anticipate making inroads into this market with PT-401."

About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, research and teaching 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 the 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 (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 EuroDNA(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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