March 27, 2009

DNA Genotek partners with Columbia University Family Studies in Epilepsy to Accelerate Epilepsy Research

DNA Genotek, a leading provider of DNA sample collection, storage and processing products, today announced that it has partnered with the Columbia University Family Studies in Epilepsy to collect DNA samples onsite at the National Walk for Epilepsy this March 28th in Washington DC.

In addition, DNA Genotek announced today that it will co-host a seminar at the American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG) conference. ASHG attendees are invited to a Coriell open house on November 12th that will describe the Coriell biobanking initiatives, offer a tour of the facilities and demonstrate how Oragene•DNA is being used to facilitate DNA sample collection and processing.

The National Walk for Epilepsy presents an excellent opportunity for the study to accelerate its research by providing access to significant numbers of candidates who satisfy donor profile requirements. The event is the largest of its kind nationally that is dedicated to increasing awareness of epilepsy and raising funds to support epilepsy programs, education, advocacy and research. The venue attracts more than 8,000 participants who are personally invested in helping find a cure for the condition.

"We already use DNA Genotek's saliva collection solutions for our epilepsy research," said Dr. David Greenberg of Columbia University. "Given the non-invasive nature of the Oragene®•DNA solution and the ease with which you can collect samples, we had the idea to try to take advantage of all the people that participate in the National Walk for Epilepsy to increase our bank of genetic samples. All the people attending the Walk clearly support furthering research into causes of epilepsy and are enthusiastic about using Oragene to contribute a sample once they know how easy and painless donating can be."

DNA Genotek's Oragene•DNA Self-Collection kit solves sample collection problems inherent with traditional collection methods. Among many issues, traditional methods are painful and costly, or they do not reliably provide enough high-quality DNA to enable health researchers to determine the underlying genetic causes of conditions like epilepsy. In contrast, Oragene•DNA enables easy and non-invasive self-collection of saliva samples from large numbers of people and delivers high quality DNA.

"DNA Genotek is privileged to work with The Columbia University Family Studies in Epilepsy to collect samples for such an important cause. One of our company's primary objectives is to deliver high-quality products for researchers and clinicians all over the world who play an essential role in advancing scientific research and treatments for a wide variety of diseases," said Ian Curry, CEO of DNA Genotek. "We are proud that Oragene•DNA will be used to augment the bank of samples used to potentially unlock a cure for epilepsy."

For more information about the National Walk for Epilepsy:

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation's goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research, so not another moment is lost to seizures. For additional information, please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org. For additional information about the National Walk for Epilepsy, visit www.WalkforEpilepsy.org. Please contact, Kimberli Meadows at the Epilepsy Foundation, 301-918-377 or email: kmeadows@efa.org.

For more information on the Family Studies in Epilepsy at Columbia University:

The goal of the study is to identify genes that play a role in causing epilepsy. For more information visit their Web site at www.geneticsofepilepsy.org.

About DNA Genotek
DNA Genotek focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection products. The company's lead product, the Oragene•DNA Self-Collection Kit, is the easiest way to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA from saliva. Oragene•DNA's reliability and ease-of-use have resulted in rapid adoption at top-tier health research institutions globally, including Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and Johns Hopkins. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has established a global customer base in over 85 countries.