SOURCE: DNAPrint Genomics, Inc.

May 18, 2006 07:00 ET

DNAPrint Genomics Appoints Two Scientists to Key Positions at Computational Biology Division

SARASOTA, FL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 18, 2006 -- DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. (OTC BB: DNAG) today announced the appointment of two experienced scientists to key positions in the Computational Biology Division of DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.

Tandy Herren, Ph.D., was named Director of Simulation Technology and Neil Kabrun, Ph.D., Director of Biological Modeling. Dr. Herren will be responsible for applying DNAPrint's proprietary BioFusion™ simulation technology, as well as other modeling techniques to support the Company's drug and diagnostics product development programs. Dr. Kabrun is responsible for the acquisition and implementation of a toolbox of techniques and systems that will continue to advance the role of computational methods in improving product development.

Dr. Herren, formerly a scientist at Kenna Technologies, (acquired by DNAPrint Genomics in November 2005) was a co-founder and a co-inventor of the simulation methods currently utilized by DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Kabrun served as an independent consultant before joining DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals.

"DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals has already benefited from the impact of simulation technology in the development stage of the Company's first drug, PT-401, an enhanced form of the blood 'booster drug' erythropoietin," stated Barbara Handelin, Ph.D., DNAPrint General Manager of Computational Biology. "The team of Herren and Kabrun developed a simulation model for PT-401 that provides key insights into PT-401's performance characteristics, including its benefits over conventional forms of erythropoietin. Their work is crucial to our research leading to preclinical studies of PT-401."

"DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals is pleased to have attracted two experienced scientists in this important new field of computational biology," stated Hector J. Gomez, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Medical Officer of DNAPrint Genomics, Inc. and head of the DNAPrint Pharmaceuticals subsidiary. "We are committed to the value that computational biology brings to our drug and diagnostic development programs."

Dr. Herren earned a Ph.D. in Social Psychology at Ohio State University, with minors in Cognitive and Quantitative Psychology. Her early experience in computer intelligence led to novel approaches for aiding the modern biologist in understanding and interpreting complex biological systems. Dr. Herren holds two fundamental patents in the biological modeling industry. They were issued in 1997 and 1999, presaging today's growing acceptance of computer modeling in the biomedical research industry. Dr. Herren is leading the Company's development of simulation systems in the field of human diseases. The Company plans to utilize these simulations for its drug and diagnostic pipeline.

Dr. Kabrun has 20 years of experience in the fields of computer science and biomedical research. With his Ph.D. training in Molecular Microbiology at the State University of New York (Stony Brook), coupled with a Masters in Computer Science, Dr. Kabrun was an early entry into the rapidly growing field of integrated computational biology. While serving with Transgenomic, Inc., in Denver, Colorado, he developed systems for a broad range of computational solutions to complex biological research problems, including design of scientific instrumentation software for mutation detection and microbial analysis. In addition, he led a cross-disciplinary team of scientific analysts, software engineers, and database production personnel supporting creation, maintenance, and successful release of Reference Database products at Genomica Corp. in Boulder, Colo.

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™, RETINOME™, ANCESTRYbyDNA™ and EURO-DNA™. 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.