Xenomics Announces Development of a New Method for Isolation of Cell-Free Nucleic Acids From Urine
New York (ots/PRNewswire)
- Prototype Research Kits Approach Commercialization Phase and Target the Growing Field of Genomic-Based Molecular Diagnostics
Xenomics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: XNOM; FWB:XE7), the source of next-generation medical DNA diagnostic tests, today announced that it has developed a new method for the isolation of low molecular weight cell-free transrenal DNA (Tr-DNA) from urine. Using this new approach, Xenomics is planning to develop kits for research use to accelerate the application of its proprietary Tr-DNA technology in different areas of DNA-based molecular diagnostics, in both humans as well as animals.
The method is simple, cost-effective, applicable to small and large volumes of urine, and can be used for Tr-DNA preservation, storage, shipping and purification. Similar products will be developed for future clinical diagnostic tests, based on analysis of Tr-DNA.
"This new method of DNA isolation from urine specimens is an important milestone for Xenomics, as all of our diagnostic tests currently in development, as well as those envisioned for the future, include this basic DNA isolation technique," commented Dr. L. David Tomei, CEO and Co-Founder of Xenomics. "Many of the available DNA isolation kits were designed for purification of large genomic DNA in blood or tissue specimens. The new techniques are specifically designed to isolate Tr-DNA from simple urine specimens, and used to detect the genetic signature of a broad variety of diseases in the body."
"The small DNA markers in urine specimens can come from throughout the body and are recognized by the fact that they are clearly distinct from the body's genetic makeup," says Dr. James Huggett, Senior Research Fellow at The University College of London. "The detection of pathogen genetic components as transrenal DNA has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Urine is both simple and non-invasive to obtain, and can be sampled as easily in children as in adults. The monitoring of pathogen DNA in the urine could greatly improve the use of available therapy and provide a valuable tool for assessing patient prognosis."
About Xenomics, Inc.
Xenomics is a molecular diagnostic company that focuses on the development of DNA-based tests using transrenal DNA. Xenomics' patented technology uses safe and simple urine specimens, and is being applied to a broad range of applications including detection and monitoring of infectious diseases, tumor detection and therapeutic monitoring, stem cell transplantation monitoring, and prenatal genetic testing.
Scientists from Xenomics were the first to discover that fragments of DNA from cells throughout the body can cross the kidney barrier and be readily detected in small urine specimens. The company believes that its transrenal DNA technology will open significant new markets in the molecular diagnostics field and provide a new generation of molecular diagnostic tests. Xenomics' issued U.S. patents protect an array of applications for molecular diagnostics and genetic testing. The company has been joined by the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (Istituto Nazionale per la Malattie Infettive "Lazarus Spallanzani") in Rome, in formation of a research and development company called SpaXen Italia, S.R.L, where clinical researchers are focused on transrenal DNA diagnostics for a variety of infectious diseases.
Xenomics' stock trades under the symbol XNOM.OB and is also listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol XE7.
For additional information, please visit www.xenomics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release are forward looking. Such statements are indicated by words such as "expect," "might," "should," "anticipate" and similar words indicating uncertainty in facts and figures. Although Xenomics believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. As discussed in Xenomics' Form 10-KSB as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2006, actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the following factors, among others: uncertainties associated with product development, the risk that Xenomics will not obtain approval to market its products, the risk that Xenomics' technology will not gain market acceptance, the risks associated with dependence upon key personnel, and the need for additional financing.
Contact:
Xenomics, Inc.
L. David Tomei
+1-212-297-0808
ldtomei@xenomics.com
www.xenomics.com
Media Relations:
Susan Hahn
Susan Hahn & Associates
+1-212-986-6286
susanhahn@nyc.comWeb site: http://www.xenomics.com
Contact:
L. David Tomei of Xenomics, Inc., +1-212-297-0808,
ldtomei@xenomics.com; Media: Susan Hahn of Susan Hahn & Associates,
+1-212-986-6286, susanhahn@nyc.com, for Xenomics, Inc.