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Hope DNAPrint's Medication research pays off.
I like news such as this: Updated: 12:04 PM EDT Genes Linked to Spread of Breast Cancer Discovered
By Patricia Reaney, Reuters
APIn their study of breast cancer cells, with one pictured above, scientists made a key discovery.
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LONDON (July 27) - Scientists have identified genes enabling breast cancer cells to spread to the lungs, a discovery that could improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The set of genes not only reveals where the cancer will spread, but also how virulent it is likely to be. The genes could be potential targets for existing or new breast cancer drugs, according to the researchers.
"We have looked for and found a specific set of genes that some breast cancers utilise to form metastasis to the lungs specifically," Dr Joan Massague, of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, said on Wednesday.
The lungs, with the bones, liver and brain, are the main organs to which breast cancer spreads. For each organ the cancer invades it needs a specific set of genes.
The findings reported in the science journal Nature are important because if breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early, women have a better chance of beating the disease.
After it has spread beyond the breast it is more deadly because treatments are less effective.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. More than a million new cases occur each year, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France.
The genes which can be found in some primary breast tumors seem to predict a high risk of spread to the lungs even years later.
The discovery could help doctors to identify women whose cancer is most likely to spread to the lungs so they can closely monitor them and try to block it, or treat it as early as possible.
Massague and his team discovered the pattern of gene activity by studying tumors from 82 patients whose breast cancer had spread to the lungs.
They analyses data from a similar group of patients from the Netherlands and found the same genetic signature.
Massague said the genes were not just markers for cancer spreading, but were also mediators that caused it to spread. The proteins they produced could become prime targets for existing or new drugs to prevent metastasis -- the spread of cancer.
"Compounds already exist to block some of the genes we have identified or the cell function they regulate. The next step is to begin testing these compounds in animal models to see if they can block metastasis," Massague said.
If someone is diagnosed with cancer and the tumor is found to have the genes, doctors may be able to provide drugs preventively, or at least have them ready for whenever the metastasis is detected.
The scientists believe the technique could be expanded to pinpoint genes involved in the spread of breast cancer to other organs or other types of cancer.
"We have already identified a set of genes that mediate metastasis to the bone," said Massague.
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Updated: 07:15 AM EDT DNAPrint genomics Launches New Corporate Marketing and Product Branding Campaign
SARASOTA, Fla., July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DNAG) today announced a new corporate marketing and product branding campaign focused on the Company's four distinct markets -- pharmacogenomics and test/drug combinations, forensics technology for law enforcement, consumer family heritage tests and genotyping services for pharmaceutical companies and universities.
"We have made innovative changes in our corporate image and marketing approach, featuring new product and service logos and redesigned marketing materials for our key genetic products and services," stated President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. "We have designed new packaging for our ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) consumer product and for our DNAWitness(TM) forensics technology. In addition, we have activated two redesigned Web sites. One contains corporate information, product updates, newsletter membership and investor news ( http://www.dnaprint.com ). The second ( http://www.ancestrybydna.com ) targets the consumer market with product information and updates. We will launch a third Web site for our forensics products in the near future."
This new campaign represents another major step in DNAPrint genomics' effort to market its products and services to a larger international market. "The DNAPrint genomics campaign has been one of the most exciting projects in the history of the agency," stated Peter Paul, President of the Inter Ad Agency of Sarasota. "We will continue work on the development of innovative product promotions using the visual corporate ID."
About Inter Ad Agency
Inter Ad Agency is an award-winning full-service advertising agency, providing national and international clients with creative development, marketing strategies and production for media ranging from print to broadcast, web development and public relations. Inter Ad Agency is located in Sarasota, FL.
About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
DNAPrint genomics, Inc. ( http://www.dnaprint.com ) is a developer of genomics-based products and services focused on drug development, pharmacogenomic diagnostic tests, forensics technology and consumer genetic tests. The Company's first theranostic product (drug/test combination) is PT-401, a "Super EPO" (erythropoietin) dimer protein drug for treatment of anemia in renal dialysis patients (end stage renal disease). Currently in preclinical development, PT-401 will be targeted to patients with a genetic profile indicating their propensity to have the best clinical response. DNAPrint's family of products for the law enforcement forensics and consumer markets include DNAWitness(TM), RETINOME (TM), ANCESTRYbyDNA(TM) and EURO-DNA(TM).
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Well, DNAP has been a real sore spot in my portfolio, that's for sure. Not knocking them, I do like what they offer. They need a PR dept or PR person that knows what they are doing.
I sent them a letter recently suggesting marketing to law enforcement directly, instead of just articles here and there. I even offered to work as a mid west rep.
Not much of a response, but I did get one at least.
This company needs to get more aggressive.
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Hong Kong Meeting seems to be aggressive. I'm with you net...the bottom line is what counts in the end$
Updated: 08:51 AM EDT DNAPrint genomics To Present at International Association of Forensic Sciences' World Meeting in Hong Kong
SARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTCBB:DNAG) today announced that Dr. Matthew Thomas, Ph., D., one of the company's key forensic scientists, will make a presentation and participate in a workshop at a meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) August 21-25 in Hong Kong, China.
Dr. Thomas will speak on "The Role of Biogeographical Ancestry in the Modern Criminal Investigation" and will be assisted by Dr. Ripan Malhi of DNAPrint's Trace Genomics Division during a presentation with Beckman Coulter, a manufacturer of instrument systems for laboratories and the maker of the company's DNA processing equipment.
"DNAPrint genomics' DNAWITNESS(tm) forensics technology is utilized by Scotland Yard and other law enforcement agencies around the world," stated President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. "The IAFS meeting will provide the company an excellent forum for making international forensics experts aware of the effectiveness of our technology and the contributions that it can make to solving crimes."
Founded in 1957, the Hong Kong-based IAFS is the only worldwide association that brings together academics and practicing professionals of various disciplines in forensic science. The association holds an international meeting every three years in a major world capital.
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