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DNAPrint Genomics and Emory University Center for Medical Genomics Enter Agreement

Posted on: Thursday, 17 August 2006, 09:00 CDT

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTCBB: DNAG) today announced that it has entered into an agreement that will enable the Center for Medical Genomics, Emory University Department of Human Genetics to utilize the Company's Ancestry Informative Marker testing package, including all the materials necessary to complete a genetic ancestry profile under guidelines established by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

The new test available from Emory and DNAPrint is run on a Beckman-Coulter Ultra High Throughput Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) machine or "Beckman-Coulter SNPstream" in a CAP certified laboratory. Test kits come in 90 patient and 375 patient standard arrays provided by DNAPrint Genomics.

"Emory and DNAPrint are working together to bring the genetic ancestry data forward within a clinical environment," stated Richard Gabriel, President and Chief Executive Officer of DNAPrint Genomics.

"This technology will be very useful for population stratification, and will serve as an extremely important quality control, particularly for large scale case control genetic association studies. Additionally, it will provide benefits in other areas, including pharmacogenetics," said Dr. Mark Bouzyk, Director of Emory's Center for Medical Genomics.

"Just analyzing random SNPs for associated genetic ancestry is meaningless, expensive and time consuming," said Dr. Tony Frudakis, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of DNAPrint Genomics. "What is contained in this package kit are nearly six years of research and development related to our forensics technology. We are excited about applying our genetic ancestry data to understanding and hopefully improving disease treatment and drug development in a clinical regulated environment."

"We will assist Emory's scientific team to help them develop the necessary skills for running our rigorous testing, Quality Control and Quality Assurance protocols," said Dr. Matt Thomas, Senior Scientist and Manager of Laboratory Operations for DNAPrint Genomics. "Our test kits have performed nearly 45,000 tests on human DNA and we have spent significant time and effort to assure high standards in our testing. We are excited about applying our analysis to clinical trial patients in order to better understand diseases and to develop 'theranostic' test/drug combinations that will improve efficacy and reduce side effects."

DNAPrint Genomics utilizes a proprietary technology measuring variations among patient populations that relate to the patients' responses to particular drugs. The combination of the two technologies will assist developers of pharmaceutical products in identifying important patient factors that impact how a specific drug will affect different groups of patients. DNAPrint employs strategic alliances with laboratories and companies world wide to share its world-class technology in the development of biomarkers from gene-expression, proteomics and epidemiological research.

Processes developed by DNAPrint Genomics are used in laboratories accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and meet the strict requirements worked performed within them. The goal of the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is to improve patient safety by advancing the quality of pathology and laboratory services through education, standard setting, and ensuring laboratories meet or exceed regulatory requirements. Upon successful completion of the inspection process, the laboratory is awarded CAP accreditation and becomes part of an exclusive group of more than 6,000 laboratories worldwide that have met the highest standards of excellence.

For more information about Emory University's Center for Medical Genomics, go to www.genetics.emory.edu/CMG/cmg.php. To inquire about having samples evaluated, contact either Dr. Mark Bouzyk at Emory University's Department of Human Genetics, at 404-778-8558, or Dr. Matt Thomas at DNAPrint Genomics, Inc., 941-366-3400.

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

SOURCE: DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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