SARASOTA, Fla., April 18, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAG) today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel discussed a broad range of issues relating to the Company's complex genomics classification technology in an interview with National Public Radio on Monday, April 17th.
In an interview with Robin Young on the "Here & Now" program facilitated by Boston radio station WBUR, Mr. Gabriel discussed the Company's applications for DNA testing to determine family heritage, law enforcement forensics and new drug development.
"We're able to give people an understanding of what regions of the world their genetic ancestors came from," said Mr. Gabriel. "We're working with the FBI to help identify serial killers and with Scotland Yard (where) there's a rapist in London who has been operating over 13 years. We also work in the area of pharmacogenomics, where understanding human genetic populations is important to understanding drug metabolism and also understanding disease."
When asked about criticism of the technology, including claims that DNA tests are too diluted to give an accurate ancestry picture, Mr. Gabriel responded: "It's such a new field. I liken it to discovering a continent. We don't know yet what the paths are. We don't know yet all of the secrets that are contained in the DNA. And I think it would be a mistake to restrict the exploration of this new continent by condemning or barring the use of this technology by anyone."
Mr. Gabriel's interview can be heard via webcast by accessing www.here-now.org/shows/2006/04/20060417.asp .
About DNAPrint Genomics
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.