CytoGenix Initiates Second Phase Of $2 MM DNA Production Plant

Houston, TX - CytoGenix Inc. announced recently the signing of a contract with the engineering firm of Alfa Laval Biokinetics for the design and construction of a prototype production module for CytoGenix's proprietary, high throughput DNA manufacturing technology. The production module will be a self-contained, closed-loop system that will produce gram quantities of high purity DNA in a single pass. Delivery is planned for fourth quarter 2005.

Traditionally, DNA for therapeutic compounds is made in fermentation vats using cloned E. coli bacteria. The bacteria are cultured and the DNA is extracted by rupturing the walls of the bacterial cells. This bioprocess produces large amounts of toxic contaminants. These toxins which can be fatal to humans must be removed by sophisticated and costly purification methods, thus driving the cost of therapeutic grade DNA to as much as $300,000 a gram.

CytoGenix's breakthrough synthesis technology does not use bacteria and produces no bacterial toxins. Large quantities of high purity DNA can now be produced in small, highly automated suites at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional bioprocess methods.

Dr. Malcolm Skolnick, CytoGenix President and CEO, commented, "This is the next step in our march to make pharmaceutical grade DNA affordable. This is truly a breakthrough technology that changes the economics of cost-sensitive products such as DNA vaccines, antimicrobials and cancer immunotherapy. In the next few years, this technology will drive the development of DNA therapeutics for human and animal application by significantly reducing the costs of finished products."

SOURCE: CytoGenix Inc.