Houston, TX, (August 16, 2005) Cytogenix, Inc. (CYGX: OTC: BB)
CytoGenix, Inc. (CYGX: OTC: BB) announced today the signing of a contract with the engineering firm of Alfa Laval Biokinetics for the design and construction of a prototype production module for CytoGenix' proprietary, high throughput DNA manufacturing technology. The production module will be a self-contained, closed-loop system that will produce gram quantities of high purity DNA in a single pass. Delivery is planned for fourth quarter 2005.
Traditionally, DNA for therapeutic compounds is made in fermentation vats using cloned E. coli bacteria. The bacteria are cultured and the DNA is extracted by rupturing the walls of the bacterial cells. This bioprocess produces large amounts of toxic contaminants. These toxins which can be fatal to humans must be removed by sophisticated and costly purification methods, thus driving the cost of therapeutic grade DNA to as much as $300,000 a gram.
CytoGenix' breakthrough synthesis technology does not use bacteria and produces no bacterial toxins. Large quantities of high purity DNA can now be produced in small highly automated suites at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional bioprocess methods.
Dr. Malcolm Skolnick, CytoGenix President and CEO commented, "This is the next step in our march to make pharmaceutical grade DNA affordable. This is truly a breakthrough technology that changes the economics of cost-sensitive products such as DNA vaccines, antimicrobials and cancer immunotherapy. In the next few years, this technology will drive the development of DNA therapeutics for human and animal application by significantly reducing the costs of finished products."
About CytoGenix: CytoGenix, Inc. is a Houston-based biopharmaceutical company that develops and markets innovative products and services based on its proprietary ssDNA expression technology. The company has developed a breakthrough synthetic process for large-scale production of high purity DNA at a fraction of the cost of traditional fermentation methods. CytoGenix currently has one issued US patent and 41 international or US pending patent applications claiming methods and materials in connection with this platform technology.
SAFE HARBOR: Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, risks associated with the acceptance of new products, competition, and other factors more fully detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Additional information about CytoGenix and its technology can be found on the website at www.cytogenix.com.
Contact: CytoGenix, Inc., Communications Director - Juan Ferreira, (800) 677-5707
