Houston, TX (8 May 2006) CytoGenix, Inc. (CYGX.OB) announced that it has entered into a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
CytoGenix scientists will work with a team of USDA scientists led by Dr. Steven Olsen to develop synDNA™ vaccines against existing and emerging strains of the bacteria that cause brucellosis, a costly disease for ranchers and game managers. Brucellosis causes miscarriages in domestic sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, and in wildlife such as deer, elk and bison. State and Federal governments have spent $11 billion over the last 45 years in an attempt to eradicate this disease.
Dr. Olsen, Director of Vaccine Research for the Agricultural Research Service, USDA commented, "There remain reservoirs of brucella in wildlife within Yellowstone Park, and the potential for brucellosis infection is a serious threat to cattle ranchers in the region. For this reason, ARS has been conducting research to develop DNA vaccines for brucella infections for several years."
Dr. Malcolm Skolnick, CytoGenix Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are pleased to be working with Dr. Olsen and his team of scientists at USDA. ARS is a leader within the Federal government in the transferal and marketing of new technologies developed from its research laboratories. This CRADA is another example of our commitment to exploring the utility of synDNA™ technology in cooperation with governmental agencies."
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: Kurt L. Berens (713) 789-0070.
