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SigNature DNA Can Protect Metal-Based Products From Counterfeiting
| Source: Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - September 3, 2009) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB : APDN ), a
provider of DNA-based security solutions, announced that it has
successfully incorporated its proprietary SigNature® DNA markers onto the
surfaces of intact metal, with the potential to assign unique DNA sequences
for each metal application. Counterfeit metal materials have been detected
in everyday building and construction materials, electronic components,
after-market car parts, public rail and bus transportation materials,
packaging and components used in military and commercial aircraft.
According to Robert P. Ernst (Naval Air Systems Command's Aging Aircraft
Program), "As many as 15% of all spare and replacement microchips the
Pentagon buys are counterfeit...We are having field failures regularly
within our weapons systems -- and in almost every weapon system." (Business
Week, October 2008). In May 2009, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a
Report on Counterfeits indicating that total counterfeit incidents
increased from 3,868 (2005) to 9,356 (2008), representing an increase of
over 200%. Of the counterfeit products surveyed in 2008, 5,267 of these
products were "used product re-marked as higher grade" microcircuits.
Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO of APDN, stated, "Typically, counterfeits are
distinguished after a very thorough visual check. Organized efforts to
counterfeit metal components can be curtailed easily by the application of
a unique forensic SigNature DNA marker that can even be used to distinguish
between various products."
Aluminum, copper, tin and steel can all be protected with SigNature DNA and
authenticated should there be any doubt as to their authenticity. The
persistence of SigNature DNA markers, even after attempts to wash or remove
it, has already been validated in laminates, thermal transfer ribbon and a
wide range of security inks and substrates used in secure packaging.
SigNature DNA can help provide quality assurance and quality control
without modification to the existing manufacturing processes or the
products themselves.
"The problems will continue to grow as long as metal counterfeits continue
to enter the supply chain unchecked. With the availability of SigNature DNA
marking and authentication, we can immediately help to resolve many of the
concerns over national security and public safety," continued Dr. Hayward.
About APDN
APDN sells patented DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and
intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. SigNature DNA is a
botanical mark used to authenticate products in a unique manner that
essentially cannot be copied. APDN also provides BioMaterial GenoTyping™
by detecting genomic DNA in natural materials to authenticate finished
products. Both technologies protect brands and products in a wide range of
industries and provide a forensic chain of evidence that can be used to
prosecute perpetrators. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com where APDN
routinely posts all press releases.
The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature and are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe APDN's future
plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on
assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which
are beyond the control of APDN. Actual results could differ materially from
those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial
resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other
factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings,
including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 16, 2008 and
our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. APDN undertakes no
obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new
information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.