DNAPrint Genomics And Emory University Center For Medical Genomics Enter Agreement

DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. 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.

SOURCE: DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.