Houston, TX (January 4, 2006) CytoGenix, Inc. (CYGX.OB) announced positive results of an animal study designed and conducted by the laboratory of Dr. David Weiner at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School Philadelphia. These tests demonstrated that a Cytogenix technique for generating synthetic DNA vaccines called synDNA™ as an smallpox vaccine, was highly potent in generating an immune response.
DNA vaccines are comprised of genes that confer immunologic protection by producing antigens without the need to expose the body to pathogenic organisms. For this study, Cytogenix scientists prepared a synDNA™ vaccine containing a gene sequence provided by Dr. Weiner that produces a protein that is an essential component of the smallpox virus.
Scientists in Dr. Weiner's laboratory tested and compared levels of antibodies and killer T cells produced in mice by the synDNA™ smallpox vaccine to a traditional plasmid DNA vaccine. The synDNA™ vaccine generated immunoglobulin and T cell levels in test animals several times greater than a comparable plasmid DNA vaccine produced by bacterial fermentation.
Dr. David B. Weiner, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, a leading expert in DNA vaccines, commented, "we are impressed with the results from this study, the data, while preliminary are exciting".
Frank Vazquez, Cytogenix, Inc.'s Executive Vice President and COO commented, "These results confirm the effectiveness of synDNA™ vaccines in producing substantial immunologic activity. The positive results we have achieved with our DNA vaccine tests are an excellent foundation for developing vaccines against biodefense related targets and for Avian Influenza H5N1." 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
