DNAPrint genomics Initiates Study of Predictive Product
2005年5月19日 - 11:24PM
PRニュース・ワイアー (英語)
DNAPrint genomics Initiates Study of Predictive Product SARASOTA,
Fla., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
(OTC:DNAP) (BULLETIN BOARD: DNAP) today announced that it will
commence a study of the Company's OVANOME(TM) predictive assay
using ovarian cancer patient samples to be procured by the H. Lee
Moffitt Cancer Center-affiliated Bay Area Oncology of Tampa, Fla.
Central to the study, which will begin immediately, are DNA samples
that will be taken from patients receiving treatment with
first-regimen (line) Taxol-Carboplatin (TC) chemotherapy. TC is the
current first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, yet it elicits
only a 70% positive response rate. "TC chemotherapy treatment can
be a challenging ordeal mentally and physically for cancer
victims," stated Hector J. Gomez, M.D., Ph.D., DNAPrint's Chief
Medical Officer. "This study could lead to the development of a
diagnostic test for predicting TC response, enabling physicians to
identify patients most likely to respond to TC therapy prior to
treatment. It could also spare non-responding patients from going
through a treatment program that would not be effective in the
first place." Some of the side effects of TC treatment can be low
white blood counts, low platelet count, anemia, hair loss, nausea,
diarrhea and nerve damage. Rafael Blanco, M.D., the principal
investigator at Bay Area Oncology, which specializes in hematology
and cancer treatment services, supported a similar theme. "Patients
who do not respond to first-line treatment for ovarian cancer
exhibit higher mortality than those who do," he stated. "Methods
that allow the inference of a patient's reaction to treatment could
enable those genetically predisposed for non-response to avoid a
failed TC first-line and be treated immediately with an alternative
therapy." DNAPrint's research indicates that variability in TC
response is largely due to the narrow therapeutic index of the drug
combination combined with wide genetic unpredictability in the
Cytochrome P450 2C8 gene, which is responsible for metabolizing
(and disposing of) taxol from the human body. "BioGeographical
Ancestry admixture is also relevant for predicting response, over
and above CYP2C8 multilocus genotypes," said Tony Frudakis, Ph.D.,
DNAPrint's Chief Scientific Officer. "We believe that complex,
multifactorial genetic classification of response proclivities is
the paradigm for drug development of the future," he stated. "We
intend to apply our state- of-the-art genomics program to not only
the development of our own nascent drug pipeline but to ameliorate
deficiencies associated with certain drugs manufactured by other
companies as well." In March 2004, DNAPrint entered into a
collaboration agreement with the Moffitt Cancer Center to develop
and implement new clinical tests for predicting patient response to
various cancer chemotherapies. The initial focus of their work is
on colon cancer. About DNAPrint genomics, Inc. DNAPrint genomics,
Inc. uses proprietary human genome research methods to develop
genomic-based services and products. The Company's
ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) is a consumer product for individuals interested
in learning their family heritage. DNAWitness(TM) is a forensics
market tool for analyzing DNA evidence recovered at a crime scene.
DNAPrint is also developing products in the pharmacogenomic market
including OVANOME(TM), a genomic-based diagnostic tool that matches
ovarian cancer patients with the most suitable form and dose of
chemotherapy, and STATINOME(TM), a test for the cardiac drug market
to determine whether patients will be good or poor responders to
statins, which are effective in cholesterol reduction. For more
information about the company, please visit
http://www.dnaprint.com/ . Forward-Looking Statements All
statements in this press release that are not historical are
forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act as amended. 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 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 President and CEO 941-366-3400 -or- Ron Stabiner The Wall
Street Group, Inc. 212-888-4848 DATASOURCE: DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
CONTACT: Richard Gabriel, President and CEO of DNAPrint genomics,
Inc., +1-941-366-3400, or Ron Stabiner of The Wall Street Group,
Inc., +1-212-888-4848, for DNAPrint genomics Web site:
http://www.dnaprint.com/
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